Rebels who have been fighting Ethiopia's government have played down reports that they would cause a "bloodbath" if they advanced into Addis Ababa. This comes as thousands of people joined a pro-military rally in the region.&nbsp;

The situation in Ethiopia has been heating up as state media said that the Ethiopian army had called on former army personnel to rejoin to fight Tigrayan forces moving towards Addis Ababa.&nbsp;

Fighters from the Tigray People's Liberation Front and their allies have claimed several victories in recent weeks. They have captured towns some 400 kilometres from the capital.

"The story that the population in Addis is vehemently opposed to us is absolutely overstated," TPLF spokesman Getachew Reda told AFP.

"Addis is a melting pot. People with all kinds of interests live in Addis. The claim that Addis will turn into a bloodbath if we enter Addis is absolutely ridiculous."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-orders-departure-of-non-essential-employees-from-ethiopia-as-war-intensifies-427239">Also read |&nbsp;US orders departure of non-essential employees from Ethiopia as war intensifies</a>

Nine anti-government factions have formed a new alliance with an aim of pushing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government out.

The year-long conflict has killed thousands of people and forced more than two million out of their homes.

The US and other nations called for a ceasefire in Ethiopia amid fighting between Tigrayan forces and government troops. The US embassy allowed its staff in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa to leave amid heavy fighting.&nbsp;

The Biden administration added that it was "gravely concerned" about the situation. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also called for a ceasefire, saying, "The conflict in Ethiopia must come to an end."

The United Nations has said that up to 7 million people in the Ethiopian regions of Tigray, Amhara and Afar need help. This includes 5 million in Tigray where some 400,000 people are estimated to be living in famine-like conditions.

Rebels who have been fighting Ethiopia's government have played down reports that they would cause a "bloodbath" if they advanced into Addis Ababa. This comes as thousands of people joined a pro-military rally in the region.

Rebels who have been fighting Ethiopia's government have played down reports that they would cause a "bloodbath" if they advanced into Addis Ababa. This comes as thousands of people joined a pro-military rally in the region. The situation in Ethiopia has been heating up as state media said that the Ethiopian army had called on former army personnel to rejoin to fight Tigrayan forces moving towards Addis Ababa. Fighters from the Tigray People's Liberation Front and their allies have claimed several victories in recent weeks. They have captured towns some 400 kilometres from the capital. "The story that the population in Addis is vehemently opposed to us is absolutely overstated," TPLF spokesman Getachew Reda told AFP. "Addis is a melting pot. People with all kinds of interests live in Addis. The claim that Addis will turn into a bloodbath if we enter Addis is absolutely ridiculous." Also read | US orders departure of non-essential employees from Ethiopia as war intensifies Nine anti-government factions have formed a new alliance with an aim of pushing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government out. The year-long conflict has killed thousands of people and forced more than two million out of their homes. The US and other nations called for a ceasefire in Ethiopia amid fighting between Tigrayan forces and government troops. The US embassy allowed its staff in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa to leave amid heavy fighting. The Biden administration added that it was "gravely concerned" about the situation. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also called for a ceasefire, saying, "The conflict in Ethiopia must come to an end." The United Nations has said that up to 7 million people in the Ethiopian regions of Tigray, Amhara and Afar need help. This includes 5 million in Tigray where some 400,000 people are estimated to be living in famine-like conditions.

'Absolutely ridiculous': Rebels in Ethiopia play down reports of causing 'bloodbath'

Sixty-five combatants have been killed after&nbsp;Yemen's Huthi&nbsp;rebels&nbsp;launched a renewed offensive&nbsp;on&nbsp;Marib, the last&nbsp;government&nbsp;stronghold&nbsp;in the country's oil-rich north, a military official said&nbsp;on&nbsp;Thursday.

The Iran-backed&nbsp;rebels&nbsp;attacked pro-government&nbsp;positions south of the strategic city, making progress despite losing dozens of fighters in coalition air strikes.

It was the Huthis' first major offensive&nbsp;on&nbsp;Marib, the key to controlling the region, since June, when 111 fighters&nbsp;on&nbsp;both sides died in three days of clashes.

"Twenty-two pro-government&nbsp;(forces) were killed and 50 others were wounded, while 43 Huthi&nbsp;rebels&nbsp;were also killed in the last 48 hours," a&nbsp;government&nbsp;military official told AFP.

The figures were confirmed by other military and medical sources.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-government-forms-committee-to-study-border-issue-with-china-410087">Also read |&nbsp;Nepal government forms committee to study border issue with China</a>

The resurgence in fighting comes after strikes&nbsp;on&nbsp;Yemen's largest airbase, in the country's south, killed at least 30 pro-government&nbsp;fighters&nbsp;on&nbsp;Sunday in the deadliest incident since December.

It also comes just days before the United Nations'&nbsp;new&nbsp;special envoy for&nbsp;Yemen, Swedish diplomat Hans Grundberg, takes up his duties.

Yemen's internationally recognised&nbsp;government, backed by a Saudi-led military coalition,&nbsp;and the Huthis have been locked in war since 2014, when the insurgents seized the capital Sanaa.

In February, the Huthis escalated their efforts to take Marib in fighting that has killed hundreds&nbsp;on&nbsp;both sides. Control of the oil-rich north would strengthen the Huthis' bargaining position in peace talks.

While the UN and Washington are pushing for an end to the war, the Huthis have demanded the re-opening of Sanaa airport, closed under a Saudi blockade since 2016, before any ceasefire or negotiations.

As well as the bloody offensive in Marib, the Huthis have also stepped up drone and missile strikes&nbsp;on&nbsp;Saudi targets, including its oil facilities.

In June, the former UN envoy for&nbsp;Yemen, Martin Griffiths, told the Security Council that his efforts over the past three years to end the war had been "in vain".

The fighting has killed tens of thousands and left some 80 percent of Yemenis dependent&nbsp;on&nbsp;aid, in what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The war has also displaced millions of people and left many&nbsp;on&nbsp;the brink of famine.

Sixty-five combatants have been killed after Yemen's Huthi rebels launched a renewed offensive on Marib, the last government stronghold in the country's oil-rich north, a military official said on Thursday.

Sixty-five combatants have been killed after Yemen's Huthi rebels launched a renewed offensive on Marib, the last government stronghold in the country's oil-rich north, a military official said on Thursday. The Iran-backed rebels attacked pro-government positions south of the strategic city, making progress despite losing dozens of fighters in coalition air strikes. It was the Huthis' first major offensive on Marib, the key to controlling the region, since June, when 111 fighters on both sides died in three days of clashes. "Twenty-two pro-government (forces) were killed and 50 others were wounded, while 43 Huthi rebels were also killed in the last 48 hours," a government military official told AFP. The figures were confirmed by other military and medical sources. Also read | Nepal government forms committee to study border issue with China The resurgence in fighting comes after strikes on Yemen's largest airbase, in the country's south, killed at least 30 pro-government fighters on Sunday in the deadliest incident since December. It also comes just days before the United Nations' new special envoy for Yemen, Swedish diplomat Hans Grundberg, takes up his duties. Yemen's internationally recognised government, backed by a Saudi-led military coalition, and the Huthis have been locked in war since 2014, when the insurgents seized the capital Sanaa. In February, the Huthis escalated their efforts to take Marib in fighting that has killed hundreds on both sides. Control of the oil-rich north would strengthen the Huthis' bargaining position in peace talks. While the UN and Washington are pushing for an end to the war, the Huthis have demanded the re-opening of Sanaa airport, closed under a Saudi blockade since 2016, before any ceasefire or negotiations. As well as the bloody offensive in Marib, the Huthis have also stepped up drone and missile strikes on Saudi targets, including its oil facilities. In June, the former UN envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, told the Security Council that his efforts over the past three years to end the war had been "in vain". The fighting has killed tens of thousands and left some 80 percent of Yemenis dependent on aid, in what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The war has also displaced millions of people and left many on the brink of famine.

65 dead as Yemen rebels launch new assault on government stronghold

Rebel forces from Ethiopia's war-torn&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;on Friday rebuffed US&nbsp;calls&nbsp;to&nbsp;leave&nbsp;neighbouring&nbsp;regions, one day after they seized famed UNESCO heritage site Lalibela, the latest turn in the nine-month conflict.

"Nothing of the sort is going to happen unless the blockade is lifted," said Getachew Reda, spokesman for the&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;People's Liberation Front (TPLF), referring to restrictions on humanitarian access.

Northern Ethiopia has been wracked by fighting since last November, when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops to topple the TPLF, the then-ruling party of&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;which dominated national politics for nearly three decades until 2018.

The move came in response to TPLF attacks on army camps, Abiy said.

Although he promised a swift victory, the war took a stunning turn in June when pro-TPLF forces recaptured the&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;capital Mekele and the Ethiopian army largely withdrew.

Since then the TPLF has pushed east into the&nbsp;neighbouring&nbsp;Afar region and south into Amhara.

Top US officials including US aid chief Samantha Power, who visited Ethiopia this week, have urged the TPLF to withdraw and asked all sides to cease hostilities and focus instead on addressing the humanitarian "catastrophe" in&nbsp;Tigray.

On Thursday, TPLF fighters entered Lalibela without a fight, as security forces withdrew ahead of their advance, residents told AFP.

The move prompted Amhara's government to warn that the TPLF was pressing "deep" into Amhara territory and to hint at possible retaliation.

Getachew said the push into Lalibela was part of a bid to secure roads in northern Amhara and prevent pro-government forces from regrouping.

"You see, we are under siege. We are under blockage. Anything that Abiy is going to use to maintain its chokehold on our people, we'll make sure it doesn't pose a serious problem," he said.

Lalibela is home to 12th-century rock-hewn churches that are a major tourist draw in peacetime, as well as an airport.

&nbsp;'Hot pursuit'

On Friday pro-TPLF forces were in "hot pursuit" of Amhara regional forces who had headed north from Lalibela to the town of Sekota, Getachew said.

The Amhara wing of Abiy's ruling Prosperity Party said the TPLF was walking into "a trap" by moving away from its base in&nbsp;Tigray, adding: "And this is how we will be able to punish it without mercy."

Getachew said the TPLF does not have designs on holding territory in Amhara and Afar and is instead focused on facilitating aid access.

It remains committed, though, to retaking areas of western and southern&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;that have been occupied by Amhara forces since the war's early stages, he said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tigray-conflict-50-corpses-many-with-hands-tied-found-floating-in-setit-river-402600">Also read |&nbsp;Tigray conflict: 50 corpses, many with hands tied found floating in Setit river</a>

Amhara leaders have rejected&nbsp;calls&nbsp;by the US and other world powers to exit those territories, claiming they historically fall under Amhara control.

The dispute bodes ill for ceasefire&nbsp;calls&nbsp;that have become more intense in recent days.

UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths wrapped up a visit to Ethiopia this week by declaring "we need the war to end".

The UN says fighting in&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;has pushed 400,000 people into famine-like conditions, and estimates that more than 100,000 children could suffer from life-threatening acute malnutrition in the next 12 months.

The TPLF accuses Abiy's government of blocking aid to&nbsp;Tigray, and top humanitarian officials continue to decry bureaucratic and other hurdles hindering access.

The government says a unilateral ceasefire it announced in late June was intended to allow aid in, and that the TPLF's subsequent offensive undermines that effort.

On Friday Abiy's office reported an additional 63 trucks of food aid had reached Mekele, taking the total figure to 220 in recent weeks.

'Lalibela is our heritage'

Abiy's spokeswoman Billene Seyoum said Thursday more than 300,000 people had been displaced by recent fighting in Amhara and Afar.

Amhara deputy president Fanta Mandefro told AFP Thursday the&nbsp;rebels&nbsp;were responsible for abuses including killings and sexual assault.&nbsp;

But Getachew dismissed those claims.

"We are in fact working with the people to make sure they go about their lives as normally as they could," he said.

The US State Department on Thursday urged the&nbsp;rebels&nbsp;to protect Lalibela but Getachew said the concerns were misplaced.

"We know what it means to protect heritage sites," he said.&nbsp;"Lalibela is our heritage site as well. They shouldn't worry about our forces protecting or not protecting Lalibela."

Multiple heritage sites in&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;have been significantly damaged during the conflict, notably monasteries and other places of worship, though Tigrayans have generally blamed pro-government forces for the destruction.

Rebel forces from Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray on Friday rebuffed US calls to leave neighbouring regions, one day after they seized famed UNESCO heritage site Lalibela, the latest turn in the nine-month conflict.

Rebel forces from Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray on Friday rebuffed US calls to leave neighbouring regions, one day after they seized famed UNESCO heritage site Lalibela, the latest turn in the nine-month conflict. "Nothing of the sort is going to happen unless the blockade is lifted," said Getachew Reda, spokesman for the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), referring to restrictions on humanitarian access. Northern Ethiopia has been wracked by fighting since last November, when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops to topple the TPLF, the then-ruling party of Tigray which dominated national politics for nearly three decades until 2018. The move came in response to TPLF attacks on army camps, Abiy said. Although he promised a swift victory, the war took a stunning turn in June when pro-TPLF forces recaptured the Tigray capital Mekele and the Ethiopian army largely withdrew. Since then the TPLF has pushed east into the neighbouring Afar region and south into Amhara. Top US officials including US aid chief Samantha Power, who visited Ethiopia this week, have urged the TPLF to withdraw and asked all sides to cease hostilities and focus instead on addressing the humanitarian "catastrophe" in Tigray. On Thursday, TPLF fighters entered Lalibela without a fight, as security forces withdrew ahead of their advance, residents told AFP. The move prompted Amhara's government to warn that the TPLF was pressing "deep" into Amhara territory and to hint at possible retaliation. Getachew said the push into Lalibela was part of a bid to secure roads in northern Amhara and prevent pro-government forces from regrouping. "You see, we are under siege. We are under blockage. Anything that Abiy is going to use to maintain its chokehold on our people, we'll make sure it doesn't pose a serious problem," he said. Lalibela is home to 12th-century rock-hewn churches that are a major tourist draw in peacetime, as well as an airport. 'Hot pursuit' On Friday pro-TPLF forces were in "hot pursuit" of Amhara regional forces who had headed north from Lalibela to the town of Sekota, Getachew said. The Amhara wing of Abiy's ruling Prosperity Party said the TPLF was walking into "a trap" by moving away from its base in Tigray, adding: "And this is how we will be able to punish it without mercy." Getachew said the TPLF does not have designs on holding territory in Amhara and Afar and is instead focused on facilitating aid access. It remains committed, though, to retaking areas of western and southern Tigray that have been occupied by Amhara forces since the war's early stages, he said. Also read | Tigray conflict: 50 corpses, many with hands tied found floating in Setit river Amhara leaders have rejected calls by the US and other world powers to exit those territories, claiming they historically fall under Amhara control. The dispute bodes ill for ceasefire calls that have become more intense in recent days. UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths wrapped up a visit to Ethiopia this week by declaring "we need the war to end". The UN says fighting in Tigray has pushed 400,000 people into famine-like conditions, and estimates that more than 100,000 children could suffer from life-threatening acute malnutrition in the next 12 months. The TPLF accuses Abiy's government of blocking aid to Tigray, and top humanitarian officials continue to decry bureaucratic and other hurdles hindering access. The government says a unilateral ceasefire it announced in late June was intended to allow aid in, and that the TPLF's subsequent offensive undermines that effort. On Friday Abiy's office reported an additional 63 trucks of food aid had reached Mekele, taking the total figure to 220 in recent weeks. 'Lalibela is our heritage' Abiy's spokeswoman Billene Seyoum said Thursday more than 300,000 people had been displaced by recent fighting in Amhara and Afar. Amhara deputy president Fanta Mandefro told AFP Thursday the rebels were responsible for abuses including killings and sexual assault. But Getachew dismissed those claims. "We are in fact working with the people to make sure they go about their lives as normally as they could," he said. The US State Department on Thursday urged the rebels to protect Lalibela but Getachew said the concerns were misplaced. "We know what it means to protect heritage sites," he said. "Lalibela is our heritage site as well. They shouldn't worry about our forces protecting or not protecting Lalibela." Multiple heritage sites in Tigray have been significantly damaged during the conflict, notably monasteries and other places of worship, though Tigrayans have generally blamed pro-government forces for the destruction.

Tigray rebels reject calls to leave neighbouring regions

The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen destroyed a drone launched by Iran-aligned Houthi movement towards the southern Saudi city of Khamis Mushait, Saudi state TV reported. 
 
On Saturday, Saudi air defences had intercepted 17 armed drones the coalition said were launched by Houthis towards the kingdom. 
 
Earlier, Saudi Arabian state media said that the kingdom's air defences destroyed 10 drones launched by Houthi rebels. The media reports quoted Saudi Arabia-led military coalition.

The official Saudi Press Agency reported that seven of the drones targetted regions in southern Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Three targeted the Khamis Mushait region, also in the south and home to military installations, it said.

"The interception operations were successful," the coalition said in a statement, adding that the drones were packed with explosives and seven were knocked out in Yemeni air space.

Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi rebels tweeted that one drone was launched towards King Khaled air base in Khamis Mushait.

These developments come as diplomatic push by the United Nations, the US to secure Yemen ceasefire have failed.

The outgoing UN envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths on Tuesday told the Security Council his own efforts over the past three years to end the war have been 'in vain'.

"It is with deep regret that I report today that the parties have not overcome their differences," said Griffiths.

Yemen has been devastated by a civil war between the Saudi-backed government and the Iran-backed Houthis since 2014, and millions of civilians are on the brink of famine, according to the UN.

The Saudi-led coalition has controlled Yemen's airspace since it launched a military campaign in 2015 to prop up the country's internationally recognised government.

The Houthis have repeatedly demanded the re-opening of Sanaa airport before any ceasefire.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen destroyed a drone launched by Iran-aligned Houthi movement towards the southern Saudi city of Khamis Mushait, Saudi state TV reported.

The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen destroyed a drone launched by Iran-aligned Houthi movement towards the southern Saudi city of Khamis Mushait, Saudi state TV reported. On Saturday, Saudi air defences had intercepted 17 armed drones the coalition said were launched by Houthis towards the kingdom. Earlier, Saudi Arabian state media said that the kingdom's air defences destroyed 10 drones launched by Houthi rebels. The media reports quoted Saudi Arabia-led military coalition. The official Saudi Press Agency reported that seven of the drones targetted regions in southern Saudi Arabia. Three targeted the Khamis Mushait region, also in the south and home to military installations, it said. "The interception operations were successful," the coalition said in a statement, adding that the drones were packed with explosives and seven were knocked out in Yemeni air space. Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi rebels tweeted that one drone was launched towards King Khaled air base in Khamis Mushait. These developments come as diplomatic push by the United Nations, the US to secure Yemen ceasefire have failed. The outgoing UN envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths on Tuesday told the Security Council his own efforts over the past three years to end the war have been 'in vain'. "It is with deep regret that I report today that the parties have not overcome their differences," said Griffiths. Yemen has been devastated by a civil war between the Saudi-backed government and the Iran-backed Houthis since 2014, and millions of civilians are on the brink of famine, according to the UN. The Saudi-led coalition has controlled Yemen's airspace since it launched a military campaign in 2015 to prop up the country's internationally recognised government. The Houthis have repeatedly demanded the re-opening of Sanaa airport before any ceasefire. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi-led coalition destroys drone fired by Yemen's Houthis: State TV

Chad army has returned to capital N'Djamena with the captured rebels and their weapons. The rebel group, Front for Change and Concord in Chad (Fact), crossed the border from Libya into Chad in April to take a stand against President Deby's 30-year rule.

Chad army returns to capital with captured rebels

Dozens of Muslim militants occupied a public market overnight in the southern Philippines before fleeing after a tense standoff with government forces, officials said on Saturday.&nbsp;

The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters did not take any hostage or put up resistance when army troops and police took positions at dawn on Saturday near the public market in the farming town of Datu Paglas, said military spokesman Lt Col John Paul Baldomar. &nbsp;

"They went into the market and stole food but got stuck inside when they saw that our forces have taken positions to ensure other buildings could not be threatened," he told reporters.&nbsp;

There were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths.&nbsp;

The rebel group broke off from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest Muslim rebel group in the south, after it entered into peace talks and later signed a Muslim autonomy deal with the government in 2014. The breakaway guerrillas have continued sporadic attacks and bombings, with some aligning themselves with the Islamic State group.&nbsp;

Baldomar said government forces locked down the town center, where the public market is located, and closed a highway at the height of the hours-long rebel occupation of the market. After the gunmen fled in batches following talks with local officials, soldiers found at least four homemade bombs placed by the rebels along the highway. Troops were pursuing the gunmen, he said.&nbsp;

Datu Paglas Vice Mayor Mohammad Paglas, however, gave a different account and told reporters that the mostly young Muslim rebels arrived on board five trucks in the town center on Friday to rest and mark the holy fasting month of Ramzan. He added some of the gunmen have relatives in the town in predominantly Muslim Maguindanao province.&nbsp;

"A big number of gunmen arrived and told us they just wanted to take rest since it's Ramzan. We allowed them," Paglas said.&nbsp;

When troops and police, some on board armored personnel carriers, arrived, the rebels were forced to retreat into the public market for cover but allowed people to leave the building, he said.&nbsp;

Paglas said there was an exchange of fire before the rebels fled, as requested by local officials. &nbsp;

Baldomar said some of the gunmen opened fire on civilian motorists, who were trapped along the highway. The motorists later managed to flee with the help of the military, he said.&nbsp;

Government forces have been on alert in the south, homeland of minority Muslims in the largely Roman Catholic nation, after hundreds of mostly local militants with some foreign supporters linked to the Islamic State group laid siege on southern Marawi city in 2017. &nbsp;

They took over buildings, including banks, school campuses and a hospital, before troops quelled the insurrection after five months with the help of surveillance aircraft deployed by the US and Australia. The audacious attack at the time reinforced fears that the IS was gaining a foothold in the Southeast Asia despite battle setbacks in Iraq and Syria.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Dozens of Muslim militants occupied a public market overnight in the southern Philippines before fleeing after a tense standoff with government forces, officials said on Saturday.

Dozens of Muslim militants occupied a public market overnight in the southern Philippines before fleeing after a tense standoff with government forces, officials said on Saturday. The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters did not take any hostage or put up resistance when army troops and police took positions at dawn on Saturday near the public market in the farming town of Datu Paglas, said military spokesman Lt Col John Paul Baldomar. "They went into the market and stole food but got stuck inside when they saw that our forces have taken positions to ensure other buildings could not be threatened," he told reporters. There were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths. The rebel group broke off from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest Muslim rebel group in the south, after it entered into peace talks and later signed a Muslim autonomy deal with the government in 2014. The breakaway guerrillas have continued sporadic attacks and bombings, with some aligning themselves with the Islamic State group. Baldomar said government forces locked down the town center, where the public market is located, and closed a highway at the height of the hours-long rebel occupation of the market. After the gunmen fled in batches following talks with local officials, soldiers found at least four homemade bombs placed by the rebels along the highway. Troops were pursuing the gunmen, he said. Datu Paglas Vice Mayor Mohammad Paglas, however, gave a different account and told reporters that the mostly young Muslim rebels arrived on board five trucks in the town center on Friday to rest and mark the holy fasting month of Ramzan. He added some of the gunmen have relatives in the town in predominantly Muslim Maguindanao province. "A big number of gunmen arrived and told us they just wanted to take rest since it's Ramzan. We allowed them," Paglas said. When troops and police, some on board armored personnel carriers, arrived, the rebels were forced to retreat into the public market for cover but allowed people to leave the building, he said. Paglas said there was an exchange of fire before the rebels fled, as requested by local officials. Baldomar said some of the gunmen opened fire on civilian motorists, who were trapped along the highway. The motorists later managed to flee with the help of the military, he said. Government forces have been on alert in the south, homeland of minority Muslims in the largely Roman Catholic nation, after hundreds of mostly local militants with some foreign supporters linked to the Islamic State group laid siege on southern Marawi city in 2017. They took over buildings, including banks, school campuses and a hospital, before troops quelled the insurrection after five months with the help of surveillance aircraft deployed by the US and Australia. The audacious attack at the time reinforced fears that the IS was gaining a foothold in the Southeast Asia despite battle setbacks in Iraq and Syria. (With inputs from agencies)

Philippine troops drive away armed rebels from public market 

Rebels in Chad who launched a major incursion into the north of the country two weeks ago and have been accused by the Chadian army of killing veteran ruler Idriss Deby Itno, are "prepared to observe a ceasefire", their chief told AFP on Saturday.

"We have affirmed our availability to observe a truce, a ceasefire... but this morning we were bombarded again", Mahamat Mahadi Ali, head of the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT) said when contacted by AFP from Libreville in Gabon.&nbsp;

But Mahadi Ali warned that the ceasefire had to be observed by both sides.

"We cannot respect the truce unilaterally. A truce must be made on both sides. We will not fold our arms and let ourselves be massacred," he said.

In response, a spokesman for the military council headed by Idriss Deby's son and successor, Mahamat Idriss Deby, said: "They are rebels, which is why we are bombing them. We are waging war, that's all."&nbsp;

On Friday, Chad staged a state funeral for Idriss Deby Itno, a linchpin in the fight against the Sahel's jihadist insurgency, and France and regional allies voiced backing for Mahamat Idriss Deby.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron, in his tribute to the fallen president, said: "You lived as a soldier, you died as a soldier, weapons in your hands".

"France will never let anyone, either today or tomorrow, challenge Chad's stability and integrity," Macron pledged.

But Macron also called on the newly-appointed military government to foster "stability, inclusion, dialogue, democratic transition".

Rebels in Chad who launched a major incursion into the north of the country two weeks ago and have been accused by the Chadian army of killing veteran ruler Idriss Deby Itno, are "prepared to observe a ceasefire", their chief told AFP on Saturday.

Rebels in Chad who launched a major incursion into the north of the country two weeks ago and have been accused by the Chadian army of killing veteran ruler Idriss Deby Itno, are "prepared to observe a ceasefire", their chief told AFP on Saturday. "We have affirmed our availability to observe a truce, a ceasefire... but this morning we were bombarded again", Mahamat Mahadi Ali, head of the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT) said when contacted by AFP from Libreville in Gabon. But Mahadi Ali warned that the ceasefire had to be observed by both sides. "We cannot respect the truce unilaterally. A truce must be made on both sides. We will not fold our arms and let ourselves be massacred," he said. In response, a spokesman for the military council headed by Idriss Deby's son and successor, Mahamat Idriss Deby, said: "They are rebels, which is why we are bombing them. We are waging war, that's all." On Friday, Chad staged a state funeral for Idriss Deby Itno, a linchpin in the fight against the Sahel's jihadist insurgency, and France and regional allies voiced backing for Mahamat Idriss Deby. French President Emmanuel Macron, in his tribute to the fallen president, said: "You lived as a soldier, you died as a soldier, weapons in your hands". "France will never let anyone, either today or tomorrow, challenge Chad's stability and integrity," Macron pledged. But Macron also called on the newly-appointed military government to foster "stability, inclusion, dialogue, democratic transition".

Chad rebels 'prepared to observe ceasefire', chief tells AFP

Rebels in Chad threatened to depose the son of the country's slain president after he was named interim leader of the central African nation, raising the specter on Wednesday of a potentially violent power struggle.&nbsp;

Uncertainty prevailed on early Wednesday over how far the rebel column was from N'Djamena, a city of 1 million people, and whether the military would remain loyal to Mahamat Deby Itno in the aftermath of his father's death after three decades in power.&nbsp;

The rebel group that the military blamed for President Idriss Deby Itno's death said late on Tuesday that its forces were heading toward N'Djamena at this very moment. &nbsp;

“Chad is not a monarchy," said a statement from the group known as the Front for Change and Concord in Chad. &nbsp;

“There can be no dynastic devolution of power in our country."&nbsp;

The group's claim of advancing toward the capital could not be independently verified, but it immediately created panic in N'Djamena, which another rebel group attacked back in 2008.&nbsp;

Officials with the Transitional Military Council said the fight was not yet over for control of the country.&nbsp;

"The security situation remains highly serious given the persistence and magnitude of the terrorist threat,” the council's vice president, Djimadoum Tiraina, said, adding that the military must now prevent the country from sinking into chaos and anarchy. &nbsp;

Chad's military spokesman said on Tuesday that the president died during a visit to the front lines of the battle against the rebel group. The rebels were based in neighbouring Libya until earlier this month, when authorities say they crossed over into Chad on the country's April 11 Election Day.&nbsp;

Deby ran for a sixth term in that election and faced minimal opposition after several challengers chose not to take part, fearing the vote would be rigged. Over the years, the president had survived numerous armed rebellions and managed to stay in power until the insurgency led by the Front for Change and Concord in Chad.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Rebels in Chad threatened to depose the son of the country's slain president after he was named interim leader of the central African nation, raising the specter on Wednesday of a potentially violent power struggle.

Rebels in Chad threatened to depose the son of the country's slain president after he was named interim leader of the central African nation, raising the specter on Wednesday of a potentially violent power struggle. Uncertainty prevailed on early Wednesday over how far the rebel column was from N'Djamena, a city of 1 million people, and whether the military would remain loyal to Mahamat Deby Itno in the aftermath of his father's death after three decades in power. The rebel group that the military blamed for President Idriss Deby Itno's death said late on Tuesday that its forces were heading toward N'Djamena at this very moment. “Chad is not a monarchy," said a statement from the group known as the Front for Change and Concord in Chad. “There can be no dynastic devolution of power in our country." The group's claim of advancing toward the capital could not be independently verified, but it immediately created panic in N'Djamena, which another rebel group attacked back in 2008. Officials with the Transitional Military Council said the fight was not yet over for control of the country. "The security situation remains highly serious given the persistence and magnitude of the terrorist threat,” the council's vice president, Djimadoum Tiraina, said, adding that the military must now prevent the country from sinking into chaos and anarchy. Chad's military spokesman said on Tuesday that the president died during a visit to the front lines of the battle against the rebel group. The rebels were based in neighbouring Libya until earlier this month, when authorities say they crossed over into Chad on the country's April 11 Election Day. Deby ran for a sixth term in that election and faced minimal opposition after several challengers chose not to take part, fearing the vote would be rigged. Over the years, the president had survived numerous armed rebellions and managed to stay in power until the insurgency led by the Front for Change and Concord in Chad. (With inputs from agencies)

Chad rebels threaten to depose slain president's son 

The global chemical weapons watchdog has 'reasonable grounds to believe' that Syria's air force dropped a chlorine bomb on a residential neighbourhood in the rebel-controlled Idlib region in February 2018, a report released on Monday said.&nbsp;

There was no immediate comment from the Syrian government. Syria and its military ally Russia have consistently denied using chemical weapons during President Bashar al-Assad's decade-old conflict with rebel forces, saying any such attacks were staged by opponents to make Damascus look like the culprit.&nbsp;

The new report by the OPCW chemical weapons watchdog's investigative arm said no one was killed when the cylinder of chlorine gas, delivered in a barrel bomb, hit the Al Talil neighbourhood in the city of Saraqib in February 2018.&nbsp;

However, a dozen people were treated for symptoms consistent with chemical poisoning, including nausea, eye irritation, shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing, it said.&nbsp;

Chlorine is not an internationally banned toxin, but the use of any chemical substance in armed conflict is banned under the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention, the implementation of which is overseen by the OPCW watchdog based in The Hague.&nbsp;

A crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators by Assad in 2011 mushroomed into civil war, with Russia and Iran supporting his government and the United States, Turkey and some Arab adversaries of Damascus backing some of the many rebel groups. &nbsp;

In April 2020, the OPCW's Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) concluded that Syrian warplanes and a helicopter had dropped bombs containing chlorine and sarin nerve gas on a village in Syria's Hama region in March 2017.&nbsp;

The latest report by the IIT also implicated Syrian government forces. It concluded that "there were reasonable grounds to believe that at least one cylinder filled with chlorine was dropped from a helicopter of the Syrian Arab Air Forces, belonging to the Tiger Forces."&nbsp;

The Tiger Forces are an elite Syrian military unit generally used in offensive operations in the war, which has largely subsided with Assad having wrested back most territory with crucial Russian and Iranian support.&nbsp;

"All elements indicated the presence of Tiger Forces in the vicinity of Saraqib. They found that a helicopter was just flying above the bombed area at the moment of the gas release," a summary of the OPCW report said.&nbsp;

It said that samples collected from the scene were examined and other possible means of chlorine contamination considered, but the OPCW team said nothing was found to indicate that the incident was staged by Assad's adversaries.&nbsp;

The team identified individuals believed to be involved in the alleged attack but did not release them.&nbsp;

Between 2015 and 2017, a joint United Nations-OPCW team known as the Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) found that Syrian government troops had used the nerve agent sarin and chlorine barrel bombs on several occasions, while Islamic State militants were found to have used mustard gas.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The global chemical weapons watchdog has 'reasonable grounds to believe' that Syria's air force dropped a chlorine bomb on a residential neighbourhood in the rebel-controlled Idlib region in February 2018, a report released on Monday said.

The global chemical weapons watchdog has 'reasonable grounds to believe' that Syria's air force dropped a chlorine bomb on a residential neighbourhood in the rebel-controlled Idlib region in February 2018, a report released on Monday said. There was no immediate comment from the Syrian government. Syria and its military ally Russia have consistently denied using chemical weapons during President Bashar al-Assad's decade-old conflict with rebel forces, saying any such attacks were staged by opponents to make Damascus look like the culprit. The new report by the OPCW chemical weapons watchdog's investigative arm said no one was killed when the cylinder of chlorine gas, delivered in a barrel bomb, hit the Al Talil neighbourhood in the city of Saraqib in February 2018. However, a dozen people were treated for symptoms consistent with chemical poisoning, including nausea, eye irritation, shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing, it said. Chlorine is not an internationally banned toxin, but the use of any chemical substance in armed conflict is banned under the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention, the implementation of which is overseen by the OPCW watchdog based in The Hague. A crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators by Assad in 2011 mushroomed into civil war, with Russia and Iran supporting his government and the United States, Turkey and some Arab adversaries of Damascus backing some of the many rebel groups. In April 2020, the OPCW's Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) concluded that Syrian warplanes and a helicopter had dropped bombs containing chlorine and sarin nerve gas on a village in Syria's Hama region in March 2017. The latest report by the IIT also implicated Syrian government forces. It concluded that "there were reasonable grounds to believe that at least one cylinder filled with chlorine was dropped from a helicopter of the Syrian Arab Air Forces, belonging to the Tiger Forces." The Tiger Forces are an elite Syrian military unit generally used in offensive operations in the war, which has largely subsided with Assad having wrested back most territory with crucial Russian and Iranian support. "All elements indicated the presence of Tiger Forces in the vicinity of Saraqib. They found that a helicopter was just flying above the bombed area at the moment of the gas release," a summary of the OPCW report said. It said that samples collected from the scene were examined and other possible means of chlorine contamination considered, but the OPCW team said nothing was found to indicate that the incident was staged by Assad's adversaries. The team identified individuals believed to be involved in the alleged attack but did not release them. Between 2015 and 2017, a joint United Nations-OPCW team known as the Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) found that Syrian government troops had used the nerve agent sarin and chlorine barrel bombs on several occasions, while Islamic State militants were found to have used mustard gas. (With inputs from agencies)

Syrian air force may have dropped chlorine bomb on town in rebel area in 2018, says watchdog 

In a sign that situation in Myanmar may involve further complications, ten of Myanmar's rebel groups declared support for anti-military coup protesters. This has raised fears that the Myanmar may further spiral into a broader conflict. The ethnic armies have fought with the military for decades.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi from power on February 1, triggering an uprising that the junta has sought to quell with deadly crackdowns.

On Saturday, 10 of these rebel groups met virtually to discuss the situation. They condemnedb junta's use of live ammunition against protesters.

"The leaders of the military council must be held accountable," said General Yawd Serk, leader of rebel group the Restoration Council of Shan State. &nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/four-killed-in-myanmar-protests-as-military-cracks-down-on-online-critics-375104">Four killed in Myanmar protests as military cracks down on online critics</a>

Myanmar's military junta declared a month-long ceasefire with ethnic armed groups last week.

The announcement did not encompass stopping lethal force against anti-coup demonstrations.

But Yawd Serk said the ceasefire means security forces should halt "all violent actions", including against protesters.&nbsp;

The 10 rebel groups that met online are signatories to a nationwide ceasefire agreement that was brokered by Suu Kyi's government, which attempted to negotiate an end to the ethnic militias' decades-long armed struggle for greater autonomy.&nbsp;

But distrust runs deep for the ethnic minorities of Myanmar, and Yawd Serk said the 10 signatories to the nationwide ceasefire would "review" the deal during their meeting.&nbsp;

"I would like to state that the (10 groups) firmly stand with the people who are... demanding the end of dictatorship," he said.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

In a sign that situation in Myanmar may involve further complications, ten of Myanmar's rebel groups declared support for anti-military coup protesters. This has raised fears that the Myanmar may further spiral into a broader conflict.

In a sign that situation in Myanmar may involve further complications, ten of Myanmar's rebel groups declared support for anti-military coup protesters. This has raised fears that the Myanmar may further spiral into a broader conflict. The ethnic armies have fought with the military for decades. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi from power on February 1, triggering an uprising that the junta has sought to quell with deadly crackdowns. On Saturday, 10 of these rebel groups met virtually to discuss the situation. They condemnedb junta's use of live ammunition against protesters. "The leaders of the military council must be held accountable," said General Yawd Serk, leader of rebel group the Restoration Council of Shan State. Also Read | Four killed in Myanmar protests as military cracks down on online critics Myanmar's military junta declared a month-long ceasefire with ethnic armed groups last week. The announcement did not encompass stopping lethal force against anti-coup demonstrations. But Yawd Serk said the ceasefire means security forces should halt "all violent actions", including against protesters. The 10 rebel groups that met online are signatories to a nationwide ceasefire agreement that was brokered by Suu Kyi's government, which attempted to negotiate an end to the ethnic militias' decades-long armed struggle for greater autonomy. But distrust runs deep for the ethnic minorities of Myanmar, and Yawd Serk said the 10 signatories to the nationwide ceasefire would "review" the deal during their meeting. "I would like to state that the (10 groups) firmly stand with the people who are... demanding the end of dictatorship," he said. (With AFP inputs)

Myanmar: Ethnic rebel groups express support for anti-coup protesters

Portugal announces plans to send around 60 troops to its former colony Mozambique following an attack by Islamic State-linked Jihadists. Islamic state-linked groups have taken control over the town of Palma.

Mozambique Violence: Portugal plans to send 60 troops to fight Jihadists

The town of Palma in Northern Mozambique has seen heavy violence and bloodshed for the past six days. But violence escalated on Monday further as armed rebels battled in the army in several locations.

Mozambique: Palma escapees arrive in Pemba, recount violence

A&nbsp;Saudi-led&nbsp;military&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;said Tuesday it will release&nbsp;200&nbsp;Yemeni&nbsp;rebels&nbsp;and permit some flights from the insurgent-held capital Sanaa, as efforts to end the nearly five-year conflict gain momentum.

The initiatives coincide with a lull in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-led-coalition-says-yemens-houthis-seize-ship-in-red-sea-263056">Huthi attacks</a> on Saudi Arabia and come after a senior official in Riyadh this month said it had an "open channel" with the Iran-aligned&nbsp;rebels.

Patients needing medical care will be allowed to be flown out of Sanaa airport, which has been closed to commercial flights since 2016,&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;spokesman Turki al-Maliki said in a statement released by the official Saudi Press Agency.

The&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;has decided "to release&nbsp;200&nbsp;prisoners of the Huthi militia" and will facilitate flights from Sanaa for "people in need of medical care" in cooperation with the World Health Organisation, the statement added.

The decision was hailed by the Huthis, with senior leader Mohammed Ali al-Huthi calling for a "mass reception" to welcome the released&nbsp;rebels. &nbsp;

"We welcome the&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;decision... (and) call for them to end torture and abuse until all detainees and prisoners are freed," al-Huthi, a senior figure in the&nbsp;rebels' political leadership, said on Twitter.

The&nbsp;Saudi-led&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;launched a military intervention in&nbsp;Yemen&nbsp;in 2015 in support of the country's internationally recognised government.&nbsp;

It reportedly hoped for a quick win against the&nbsp;Huthis, but instead waded into a quagmire that has cost it billions of dollars and sparked a humanitarian catastrophe that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Riyadh now appears buoyed by a power-sharing agreement it brokered earlier this month in a separate conflict between&nbsp;Yemen's internationally recognised government and southern separatists, which observers said could pave the way for a wider&nbsp;peace&nbsp;deal in the multi-faceted war.

Further raising hopes, a senior official in Riyadh subsequently said the Saudis have established an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-deceptive-over-najran-attack-claims-saudi-led-coalition-252901">"open channel" with the Huthi&nbsp;rebels</a>.

"We don't close our doors with the Huthis," the official, who declined to be named, told reporters.

'Something is changing'

Yemen, in the grip of what the UN has termed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/attacked-saudi-border-frontline-captured-troops-houthis-252644">world's worst humanitarian crisis</a>, is widely seen as a proxy battlefront between Sunni powerhouse Saudi Arabia and its Shiite rival Iran.

Tuesday's development "is positive proof that the Saudi-Huthi talks are real and having at least a limited tangible impact," Hussein Ibish, a scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, told AFP.

"This is more bad news for the&nbsp;rebels' Iranian backers."

The development follows a lull in recent weeks after a spike in rebel missile and drone attacks over the summer launched from Yemeni territory on Saudi cities.

Last Friday, UN envoy Martin Griffiths said the rate of&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;airstrikes had sharply fallen over the past two weeks, in an apparent sign that "something is changing in&nbsp;Yemen".

In a sign of the limits to the new mood, however, air raids on Monday by the&nbsp;Saudi-led&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;killed eight Huthi&nbsp;rebels&nbsp;near the key western port of Hodeidah, according to local officials.

Yemen's warring parties agreed under a deal brokered in Sweden last December to exchange 15,000 prisoners, but the accord has not been fully implemented.

The&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;freed seven Huthi prisoners in January, and the&nbsp;rebels&nbsp;released 290&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;fighters in September.

The Huthis hold Sanaa while the&nbsp;Saudi led-military&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;controls&nbsp;Yemen's maritime borders and airspace.

Last year, wounded&nbsp;rebels&nbsp;were flown out of Sanaa for treatment, in what was seen as a key step ahead of the December&nbsp;peace&nbsp;talks.

A Saudi-led military coalition said Tuesday it will release 200 Yemeni rebels and permit some flights from the insurgent-held capital Sanaa, as efforts to end the nearly five-year conflict gain momentum.

A Saudi-led military coalition said Tuesday it will release 200 Yemeni rebels and permit some flights from the insurgent-held capital Sanaa, as efforts to end the nearly five-year conflict gain momentum. The initiatives coincide with a lull in Huthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and come after a senior official in Riyadh this month said it had an "open channel" with the Iran-aligned rebels. Patients needing medical care will be allowed to be flown out of Sanaa airport, which has been closed to commercial flights since 2016, coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said in a statement released by the official Saudi Press Agency. The coalition has decided "to release 200 prisoners of the Huthi militia" and will facilitate flights from Sanaa for "people in need of medical care" in cooperation with the World Health Organisation, the statement added. The decision was hailed by the Huthis, with senior leader Mohammed Ali al-Huthi calling for a "mass reception" to welcome the released rebels. "We welcome the coalition decision... (and) call for them to end torture and abuse until all detainees and prisoners are freed," al-Huthi, a senior figure in the rebels' political leadership, said on Twitter. The Saudi-led coalition launched a military intervention in Yemen in 2015 in support of the country's internationally recognised government. It reportedly hoped for a quick win against the Huthis, but instead waded into a quagmire that has cost it billions of dollars and sparked a humanitarian catastrophe that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. Riyadh now appears buoyed by a power-sharing agreement it brokered earlier this month in a separate conflict between Yemen's internationally recognised government and southern separatists, which observers said could pave the way for a wider peace deal in the multi-faceted war. Further raising hopes, a senior official in Riyadh subsequently said the Saudis have established an "open channel" with the Huthi rebels. "We don't close our doors with the Huthis," the official, who declined to be named, told reporters. 'Something is changing' Yemen, in the grip of what the UN has termed the world's worst humanitarian crisis, is widely seen as a proxy battlefront between Sunni powerhouse Saudi Arabia and its Shiite rival Iran. Tuesday's development "is positive proof that the Saudi-Huthi talks are real and having at least a limited tangible impact," Hussein Ibish, a scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, told AFP. "This is more bad news for the rebels' Iranian backers." The development follows a lull in recent weeks after a spike in rebel missile and drone attacks over the summer launched from Yemeni territory on Saudi cities. Last Friday, UN envoy Martin Griffiths said the rate of coalition airstrikes had sharply fallen over the past two weeks, in an apparent sign that "something is changing in Yemen". In a sign of the limits to the new mood, however, air raids on Monday by the Saudi-led coalition killed eight Huthi rebels near the key western port of Hodeidah, according to local officials. Yemen's warring parties agreed under a deal brokered in Sweden last December to exchange 15,000 prisoners, but the accord has not been fully implemented. The coalition freed seven Huthi prisoners in January, and the rebels released 290 coalition fighters in September. The Huthis hold Sanaa while the Saudi led-military coalition controls Yemen's maritime borders and airspace. Last year, wounded rebels were flown out of Sanaa for treatment, in what was seen as a key step ahead of the December peace talks.

200 Yemen rebels to be freed amid peace push: Saudi-led coalition

The presidential front-runner in Sri Lanka promised Friday he would make the country safer, and free from terrorism.

Rajapaksa launches manifesto; Vows to free soldiers, rebels

A group of foreign reporters on a trip to Syria organised by the Russian Defense Ministry were on Wednesday shown an elaborate network of caves in the strategic northwestern Idlib province said to have been used as a major rebel base.

Journalists see caves formerly used by rebels

A senior pro-government official accused Yemen's Huthi rebels of faking an announced pullout from three strategic ports in Hodeida province on Saturday.

"The Huthis are staging a new ploy by handing over the ports of Hodeida, Saleef and Ras Issa to themselves without any monitoring by the United Nations and the government side," provincial governor Al-Hasan Taher told AFP.

Yemeni rebels said they were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthis-start-withdrawing-from-ports-in-hodeidah-witness-217771">set to begin a unilateral withdrawal from the lifeline port of Hodeida on Saturday</a> in a bid to kickstart implementation of a December truce brokered by the UN.

The head of the rebels' Supreme Revolutionary Committee, Mohammed al-Huthi, said fighters would start pulling back at 10 am.

Hodeida is the main entry point for the bulk of Yemen's imports and humanitarian aid, providing a lifeline to millions of civilians who have been pushed to the brink of famine by more than four years of devastating conflict.&nbsp;

A senior pro-government official accused Yemen's Huthi rebels of faking an announced pullout from three strategic ports in Hodeida province on Saturday. "The Huthis are staging a new ploy by handing over the ports of Hodeida, Saleef and Ras Issa to themselves without any monitoring by the United Nations and the government side," provincial governor Al-Hasan Taher told AFP.

A senior pro-government official accused Yemen's Huthi rebels of faking an announced pullout from three strategic ports in Hodeida province on Saturday. "The Huthis are staging a new ploy by handing over the ports of Hodeida, Saleef and Ras Issa to themselves without any monitoring by the United Nations and the government side," provincial governor Al-Hasan Taher told AFP. Yemeni rebels said they were set to begin a unilateral withdrawal from the lifeline port of Hodeida on Saturday in a bid to kickstart implementation of a December truce brokered by the UN. The head of the rebels' Supreme Revolutionary Committee, Mohammed al-Huthi, said fighters would start pulling back at 10 am. Hodeida is the main entry point for the bulk of Yemen's imports and humanitarian aid, providing a lifeline to millions of civilians who have been pushed to the brink of famine by more than four years of devastating conflict.

Yemen government accuses rebels of 'ploy' over ports pullout

It has a standing army of 25,000, manufactures its own guns and conscripts at least one member of each household -- meet the United Wa State Army: Communist, reclusive, China-backed rebels determined to protect their supremacy over Myanmar's badland border zone.

Thousands of soldiers, including a company of women and a sniper platoon in combat webbing, marched early Wednesday alongside armoured vehicles in Panghsang, capital of the ethnic Wa, which borders China's Yunnan province.

It was a show of force marking 30 years since Communist Wa rebels negotiated a ceasefire with Myanmar leading to the establishment of special, semi-autonomous zone, marshalled by Bao Youxiang, chief of one of the world's largest non-state armies.

This week the normally inscrutable Wa extended a rare invite to foreign media to their isolated territory to show off their military prowess and deliver a defiant message of self-sufficiency within Myanmar's borders.

"The Wa people are masters of their own destiny," Bao, flanked by senior Chinese officials, declared in an address to the thousands gathered for the parade.

He vowed his 600,000 "war-tested" people will never be pawns in proxy wars and proclaimed the "builders and defenders of Wa" as "one of the best groups in human society."

Fed by a ready supply of conscripts -- some barely in their teens -- China-armed and trained, the UWSA bears comparison to Lebanese Hezbollah in size.

Also like Hezbollah they are clients of a larger state actor, who pulls strings for strategic ends.

But the UWSA also taps a deep seam of local pride and enmity towards the central state, which is dominated by the Bamar ethnic group.

Estimates vary, but experts put the UWSA strength at 25-30,000 regulars, backed up by a large, well-trained reserve.

Wa forces dwarf the collage of other ethnic rebel groups operating across Myanmar, posing a deterrent to the country's "Tatmadaw" army and gifting Beijing a useful bridgehead into its resource-rich neighbour.

"We haven't suffered fighting in decades and have developed over these 30 years," a UWSA officer told AFP, requesting anonymity.

"But we need to be ready. Our leader's motto is 'Sweating a lot leads to a little blood.' So one or two people from each household must serve in the Wa Army."

Headhunters, drugs and tin

Once a Chinese enclave, the Wa became known by British colonisers as the "wild Wa" for their fearsome reputation for headhunting.

Since becoming a special region, the zone has undergone an economic boom of sorts.

It is home to one of the world's largest tin mines and massive rubber plantations.

Regional drug cops say it plays a central role in the "Golden Triangle" narcotics trade, forged over decades of opium production.

The Wa have long been accused of running a narco-state peppered with meth labs across their self-policed lands -- claims Wa leaders vehemently deny.

"Poppy cultivation will never appear again," said Bao citing its eradication as one of his state's "proudest achievements" and vowing to combat all drug production.

But independent analysis is impossible.

Wa remains virtually locked-off, resistant to outside visitors, ringed by checkpoints and tight internal controls.

Chairman Bao

The publicity-shy septuagenarian Bao has helmed the region for decades.

An unassailable, authoritarian figurehead, he presides over a political hierarchy that shadows the structures of big neighbour China and a tightly-controlled society.

"In the mould of Xi Jinping, Bao is the head of the army, party and government and has been confirmed in those positions for life," Bangkok-based security analyst Anthony Davis told AFP.

Zhao Guo An, a senior UWSA leader, lauded the relationship with China, telling reporters it was "very old, we're brothers," adding Beijing "is very important" for his forces, but declining to give further details.

As a trading gateway to China -- the yuan is the Wa currency -- the zone provides a point of leverage for Beijing against Myanmar and any potential resistance to its grand infrastructure and pipeline plans for the country.

The Wa have attended peace talks in a country lacerated by ethic conflicts, but so far remain outside a nationwide ceasefire deal -- an agreement keenly sought by Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government.

Intense violence between Myanmar's army and Rakhine rebels on the other side of the country has undercut prospects of a binding peace deal any time soon.

"The UWSA is the largest non-state military actor in East Asia," Davis said, adding it "has unquestionably been armed by China" despite producing its own China-designed rifles.

A barrage of colourful flares ended the parade as thousands of people in ethnic clothes joined the ranks of military in the sports ground -- a show of loyalty in a highly militarised area.

"I became Wa soldier when I was about 13 years old. My younger brother is also a soldier," a 32-year-old UWSA recruit told AFP, also requesting not to be named.

"As a Wa, you have to serve the army."

It has a standing army of 25,000, manufactures its own guns and conscripts at least one member of each household -- meet the United Wa State Army: Communist, reclusive, China-backed rebels determined to protect their supremacy over Myanmar's badland border zone.

It has a standing army of 25,000, manufactures its own guns and conscripts at least one member of each household -- meet the United Wa State Army: Communist, reclusive, China-backed rebels determined to protect their supremacy over Myanmar's badland border zone. Thousands of soldiers, including a company of women and a sniper platoon in combat webbing, marched early Wednesday alongside armoured vehicles in Panghsang, capital of the ethnic Wa, which borders China's Yunnan province. It was a show of force marking 30 years since Communist Wa rebels negotiated a ceasefire with Myanmar leading to the establishment of special, semi-autonomous zone, marshalled by Bao Youxiang, chief of one of the world's largest non-state armies. This week the normally inscrutable Wa extended a rare invite to foreign media to their isolated territory to show off their military prowess and deliver a defiant message of self-sufficiency within Myanmar's borders. "The Wa people are masters of their own destiny," Bao, flanked by senior Chinese officials, declared in an address to the thousands gathered for the parade. He vowed his 600,000 "war-tested" people will never be pawns in proxy wars and proclaimed the "builders and defenders of Wa" as "one of the best groups in human society." Fed by a ready supply of conscripts -- some barely in their teens -- China-armed and trained, the UWSA bears comparison to Lebanese Hezbollah in size. Also like Hezbollah they are clients of a larger state actor, who pulls strings for strategic ends. But the UWSA also taps a deep seam of local pride and enmity towards the central state, which is dominated by the Bamar ethnic group. Estimates vary, but experts put the UWSA strength at 25-30,000 regulars, backed up by a large, well-trained reserve. Wa forces dwarf the collage of other ethnic rebel groups operating across Myanmar, posing a deterrent to the country's "Tatmadaw" army and gifting Beijing a useful bridgehead into its resource-rich neighbour. "We haven't suffered fighting in decades and have developed over these 30 years," a UWSA officer told AFP, requesting anonymity. "But we need to be ready. Our leader's motto is 'Sweating a lot leads to a little blood.' So one or two people from each household must serve in the Wa Army." Headhunters, drugs and tin Once a Chinese enclave, the Wa became known by British colonisers as the "wild Wa" for their fearsome reputation for headhunting. Since becoming a special region, the zone has undergone an economic boom of sorts. It is home to one of the world's largest tin mines and massive rubber plantations. Regional drug cops say it plays a central role in the "Golden Triangle" narcotics trade, forged over decades of opium production. The Wa have long been accused of running a narco-state peppered with meth labs across their self-policed lands -- claims Wa leaders vehemently deny. "Poppy cultivation will never appear again," said Bao citing its eradication as one of his state's "proudest achievements" and vowing to combat all drug production. But independent analysis is impossible. Wa remains virtually locked-off, resistant to outside visitors, ringed by checkpoints and tight internal controls. Chairman Bao The publicity-shy septuagenarian Bao has helmed the region for decades. An unassailable, authoritarian figurehead, he presides over a political hierarchy that shadows the structures of big neighbour China and a tightly-controlled society. "In the mould of Xi Jinping, Bao is the head of the army, party and government and has been confirmed in those positions for life," Bangkok-based security analyst Anthony Davis told AFP. Zhao Guo An, a senior UWSA leader, lauded the relationship with China, telling reporters it was "very old, we're brothers," adding Beijing "is very important" for his forces, but declining to give further details. As a trading gateway to China -- the yuan is the Wa currency -- the zone provides a point of leverage for Beijing against Myanmar and any potential resistance to its grand infrastructure and pipeline plans for the country. The Wa have attended peace talks in a country lacerated by ethic conflicts, but so far remain outside a nationwide ceasefire deal -- an agreement keenly sought by Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government. Intense violence between Myanmar's army and Rakhine rebels on the other side of the country has undercut prospects of a binding peace deal any time soon. "The UWSA is the largest non-state military actor in East Asia," Davis said, adding it "has unquestionably been armed by China" despite producing its own China-designed rifles. A barrage of colourful flares ended the parade as thousands of people in ethnic clothes joined the ranks of military in the sports ground -- a show of loyalty in a highly militarised area. "I became Wa soldier when I was about 13 years old. My younger brother is also a soldier," a 32-year-old UWSA recruit told AFP, also requesting not to be named. "As a Wa, you have to serve the army."

'Masters of our destiny': Myanmar's Wa rebels in show of force

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-warring-parties-to-convene-for-fragile-peace-talks-in-sweden-181832">Yemen's government and rebels</a> doubled down on their rival demands Thursday, just moments before hard-won peace talks were due to open in Sweden under the auspices of the United Nations.&nbsp;

A top Huthi rebel official threatened Thursday to bar UN planes from using the Yemeni capital's airport unless peace talks in Sweden lead to its full reopening.

"If the Yemeni capital's airport is not opened to the Yemeni people in the peace talks in Sweden, I call on the (rebel) political council and government to close the airport for all planes," Mohammed Ali al-Huthi tweeted.

The Yemeni government hit back, demanding the rebels withdraw from the flashpoint port city of Hodeida.&nbsp;

Yemen's foreign ministry demanded the "coupist militias withdraw fully from the western coast and hand the area over to the legitimate government" via Twitter -- a reference to rebel-held Hodeida, home to Yemen's most valuable port.&nbsp;

The Sweden talks mark the first attempt in two years to broker an end to the Yemen conflict, which has killed at least 10,000 people since 2015 and triggered what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Some 14 million people are at imminent risk of starvation in Yemen, according to UN estimates, as a Saudi-led military coalition continues to battle the country's Iran-backed Huthi rebels.&nbsp;

Yemen's government and rebels doubled down on their rival demands Thursday, just moments before hard-won peace talks were due to open in Sweden under the auspices of the United Nations.

Yemen's government and rebels doubled down on their rival demands Thursday, just moments before hard-won peace talks were due to open in Sweden under the auspices of the United Nations. A top Huthi rebel official threatened Thursday to bar UN planes from using the Yemeni capital's airport unless peace talks in Sweden lead to its full reopening. "If the Yemeni capital's airport is not opened to the Yemeni people in the peace talks in Sweden, I call on the (rebel) political council and government to close the airport for all planes," Mohammed Ali al-Huthi tweeted. The Yemeni government hit back, demanding the rebels withdraw from the flashpoint port city of Hodeida. Yemen's foreign ministry demanded the "coupist militias withdraw fully from the western coast and hand the area over to the legitimate government" via Twitter -- a reference to rebel-held Hodeida, home to Yemen's most valuable port. The Sweden talks mark the first attempt in two years to broker an end to the Yemen conflict, which has killed at least 10,000 people since 2015 and triggered what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Some 14 million people are at imminent risk of starvation in Yemen, according to UN estimates, as a Saudi-led military coalition continues to battle the country's Iran-backed Huthi rebels.

Yemen government, rebels lash out as peace talks set to open

The remaining fighters started to withdraw from the last rebel-held enclave in central Syria on Wednesday, state television reported, sealing the government's control over the area and opening a major stretch of the country's most important highway.

It further cements President Bashar al-Assad's dominant position over the most populated parts of Syria after years of fighting but means any new military campaign might risk direct conflict with foreign powers.

The withdrawal may also be the last in a series of agreed evacuations used by the government to defeat besieged insurgents by forcing them to surrender territory in return for safe passage to opposition areas in the north.

Often brokered by Assad's Russian allies, such agreements have in recent years become a defining characteristic of Syria's seven-year war. They have displaced over 100,000 people - rebel fighters and civilians.

The opposition has called it a policy of forced displacement amounting to demographic change to force out Assad's opponents. The Syrian government has said nobody is forced to leave and those who stay must accept state rule.

The last besieged rebel area, being fully evacuated on Wednesday, is the large enclave located between the cities of Hama and Homs around the towns of Rastan, Talbiseh and Houla.

Rebels still hold large swathes of northwest and southwest Syria that are not besieged because they border Turkey and Jordan, which have at times backed the insurgents and are guarantors of limited truces in those areas.

The only other area still surrounded by the Syrian army, in the Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp south of Damascus, is held by Islamic State fighters who look unlikely to agree to withdraw to the patch of desert they still hold in east Syria.

More than a quarter of Syria is held by an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias that the United States helped in the fight against Islamic State.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has said he wants to pull American troops from Syria, but the Pentagon has said they are staying for now.

Siege

Assad focused on the remaining besieged rebel pockets last month after taking back Eastern Ghouta, the biggest insurgent enclave near Damascus, in a ferocious, weeks-long offensive.

Having held the area being evacuated on Wednesday for years, rebels agreed earlier this month to withdraw along with their families and other civilians who did not want to come back under Assad's rule.

Since the enclave straddled Syria's main north-south highway in the stretch between Hama and Homs, recapturing it will significantly ease communication lines in government areas.

Some 27,000 people have left the enclave already since the evacuations began earlier this month, a local government official said. The last convoy of buses began to leave on Wednesday, according to state media.

Last month, 66,000 people left Eastern Ghouta under similar agreements, the UN&nbsp;has said. Other major evacuations have included from east Aleppo in late 2016, when more than 30,000 people left.

Tens of thousands of other people have left smaller pockets in recent years. It has added to a humanitarian crisis in northwestern Idlib province, where the pre-war population of about 1 million people has been doubled by those fleeing other parts of the country.

The withdrawal may also be the last in a series of agreed evacuations used by the government to defeat besieged insurgents

The remaining fighters started to withdraw from the last rebel-held enclave in central Syria on Wednesday, state television reported, sealing the government's control over the area and opening a major stretch of the country's most important highway. It further cements President Bashar al-Assad's dominant position over the most populated parts of Syria after years of fighting but means any new military campaign might risk direct conflict with foreign powers. The withdrawal may also be the last in a series of agreed evacuations used by the government to defeat besieged insurgents by forcing them to surrender territory in return for safe passage to opposition areas in the north. Often brokered by Assad's Russian allies, such agreements have in recent years become a defining characteristic of Syria's seven-year war. They have displaced over 100,000 people - rebel fighters and civilians. The opposition has called it a policy of forced displacement amounting to demographic change to force out Assad's opponents. The Syrian government has said nobody is forced to leave and those who stay must accept state rule. The last besieged rebel area, being fully evacuated on Wednesday, is the large enclave located between the cities of Hama and Homs around the towns of Rastan, Talbiseh and Houla. Rebels still hold large swathes of northwest and southwest Syria that are not besieged because they border Turkey and Jordan, which have at times backed the insurgents and are guarantors of limited truces in those areas. The only other area still surrounded by the Syrian army, in the Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp south of Damascus, is held by Islamic State fighters who look unlikely to agree to withdraw to the patch of desert they still hold in east Syria. More than a quarter of Syria is held by an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias that the United States helped in the fight against Islamic State. US President Donald Trump has said he wants to pull American troops from Syria, but the Pentagon has said they are staying for now. Siege Assad focused on the remaining besieged rebel pockets last month after taking back Eastern Ghouta, the biggest insurgent enclave near Damascus, in a ferocious, weeks-long offensive. Having held the area being evacuated on Wednesday for years, rebels agreed earlier this month to withdraw along with their families and other civilians who did not want to come back under Assad's rule. Since the enclave straddled Syria's main north-south highway in the stretch between Hama and Homs, recapturing it will significantly ease communication lines in government areas. Some 27,000 people have left the enclave already since the evacuations began earlier this month, a local government official said. The last convoy of buses began to leave on Wednesday, according to state media. Last month, 66,000 people left Eastern Ghouta under similar agreements, the UN has said. Other major evacuations have included from east Aleppo in late 2016, when more than 30,000 people left. Tens of thousands of other people have left smaller pockets in recent years. It has added to a humanitarian crisis in northwestern Idlib province, where the pre-war population of about 1 million people has been doubled by those fleeing other parts of the country.

Syrian rebels pull out of their last besieged area

The Syrian opposition said Western strikes on Saturday would not change the course of the seven-year-old war as the army said it would crush remaining rebel parts of the country.

The missiles by the United States, Britain, and France targeted President Bashar al-Assad's chemical weapons capabilities in response to a deadly poison gas attack near Damascus a week ago, Washington said.

But rebels and opposition politicians said the Western powers should also hit Assad's conventional weapons which have killed many more people during the war.

Some insurgent officials said they feared an onslaught against the rebel bastion of Idlib, which a senior Iranian official has indicated could be the next target.

"Maybe the regime will not use chemical weapons again, but it will not hesitate to use weapons," opposition leader Nasr al-Hariri said.

A rebel fighter said he was bracing for further attacks as "revenge" by the government with its allies on rebel territory in the northwest, including the Idlib region.

"More was expected from the American strike to affect the path of the war and to curb Assad's crimes," he told Reuters from Hama province.

Damascus and its allies have said reports about poison gas in Douma were fabricated as a pretext for Western strikes.

After the suspected gas attack, which medical relief groups said killed dozens, rebels holed up in Douma finally surrendered the town. That clinched a big victory for Assad, wiping out the last insurgent pocket in the eastern Ghouta region near the capital.

The war has been going Assad's way since Russia intervened on his side in 2015. From holding less than a fifth of Syria in 2015, Assad has recovered to control the largest chunk of the country with Russian and Iranian help.

Mohamad Alloush, political chief of the Jaish al-Islam faction that had controlled Douma, said the Western strikes on Saturday would not be enough.

"As long as this regime and its security agencies exist, the chemical (attacks) will continue because there is safety from the consequences that would end it," he said. "And (Assad) is portraying what happened as a victory."

The Syrian presidency posted a video appearing to show Assad arriving for work on Saturday morning a few hours after the U.S.-led attack, dressed in a suit and tie and carrying a briefcase.

Though swathes of Syria remain beyond his grasp, the insurgency currently poses no military threat to his rule.

The opposition has praised President Donald Trump for taking action against Assad after criticising former U.S. President Barack Obama for failing to enforce his own red line when Assad was accused of using gas in 2013. But they want more.

"The strike has weakened the regime, but has not strengthened the opposition," said another rebel commander.

Trump last year decided to halt a CIA programme that had funnelled weapons and cash to some Free Syrian Army rebels.

"Liberating Idlib"

Having driven rebels from eastern Ghouta, Assad and his allies are expected to soon retake the last few insurgent pockets around Damascus and nearby.

The bigger challenge will be rebel territory at the frontiers with Turkey, Jordan and Israel, and the swathe of eastern and northern Syria which Kurdish-led militias control with support from the United States.

Ali Akbar Velayati, top adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader, on a visit to Damascus this week, said he hoped Syria and its allies would soon drive U.S. troops from the country. He also said he hoped the city of Idlib in northwestern Syria would be captured from rebels very soon.

The Syrian army said air defence systems brought down most of the U.S., British and French missiles.

"Such attacks will not deter our armed forces and allied forces from persisting to crush what is left of the armed terrorist groups," the military said.

The foreign ministry said the Western strikes would only "lead to inflaming tensions in the world" and threaten international security.

"The barbaric aggression...will not affect in any way the determination and insistence of the Syrian people and their heroic armed forces," state media said, citing a ministry source. 
&nbsp;

The war has been going Assad's way since Russia intervened on his side in 2015

The Syrian opposition said Western strikes on Saturday would not change the course of the seven-year-old war as the army said it would crush remaining rebel parts of the country. The missiles by the United States, Britain, and France targeted President Bashar al-Assad's chemical weapons capabilities in response to a deadly poison gas attack near Damascus a week ago, Washington said. But rebels and opposition politicians said the Western powers should also hit Assad's conventional weapons which have killed many more people during the war. Some insurgent officials said they feared an onslaught against the rebel bastion of Idlib, which a senior Iranian official has indicated could be the next target. "Maybe the regime will not use chemical weapons again, but it will not hesitate to use weapons," opposition leader Nasr al-Hariri said. A rebel fighter said he was bracing for further attacks as "revenge" by the government with its allies on rebel territory in the northwest, including the Idlib region. "More was expected from the American strike to affect the path of the war and to curb Assad's crimes," he told Reuters from Hama province. Damascus and its allies have said reports about poison gas in Douma were fabricated as a pretext for Western strikes. After the suspected gas attack, which medical relief groups said killed dozens, rebels holed up in Douma finally surrendered the town. That clinched a big victory for Assad, wiping out the last insurgent pocket in the eastern Ghouta region near the capital. The war has been going Assad's way since Russia intervened on his side in 2015. From holding less than a fifth of Syria in 2015, Assad has recovered to control the largest chunk of the country with Russian and Iranian help. Mohamad Alloush, political chief of the Jaish al-Islam faction that had controlled Douma, said the Western strikes on Saturday would not be enough. "As long as this regime and its security agencies exist, the chemical (attacks) will continue because there is safety from the consequences that would end it," he said. "And (Assad) is portraying what happened as a victory." The Syrian presidency posted a video appearing to show Assad arriving for work on Saturday morning a few hours after the U.S.-led attack, dressed in a suit and tie and carrying a briefcase. Though swathes of Syria remain beyond his grasp, the insurgency currently poses no military threat to his rule. The opposition has praised President Donald Trump for taking action against Assad after criticising former U.S. President Barack Obama for failing to enforce his own red line when Assad was accused of using gas in 2013. But they want more. "The strike has weakened the regime, but has not strengthened the opposition," said another rebel commander. Trump last year decided to halt a CIA programme that had funnelled weapons and cash to some Free Syrian Army rebels. "Liberating Idlib" Having driven rebels from eastern Ghouta, Assad and his allies are expected to soon retake the last few insurgent pockets around Damascus and nearby. The bigger challenge will be rebel territory at the frontiers with Turkey, Jordan and Israel, and the swathe of eastern and northern Syria which Kurdish-led militias control with support from the United States. Ali Akbar Velayati, top adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader, on a visit to Damascus this week, said he hoped Syria and its allies would soon drive U.S. troops from the country. He also said he hoped the city of Idlib in northwestern Syria would be captured from rebels very soon. The Syrian army said air defence systems brought down most of the U.S., British and French missiles. "Such attacks will not deter our armed forces and allied forces from persisting to crush what is left of the armed terrorist groups," the military said. The foreign ministry said the Western strikes would only "lead to inflaming tensions in the world" and threaten international security. "The barbaric aggression...will not affect in any way the determination and insistence of the Syrian people and their heroic armed forces," state media said, citing a ministry source.

Syrian Army vows to crush rebel-held areas, opposition say strikes not enough

The Syrian regime on Sunday drew closer to taking full control of rebel bastion Eastern Ghouta after a deal appeared to be reached for fighters and civilians to leave the enclave's last opposition pocket.&nbsp

The agreement brokered by government ally Moscow would see fighters with the Jaish al-Islam rebel faction leave Ghouta's main town of Douma for opposition territory in northern Syria, state media and a monitoring group.

There was no immediate confirmation from the rebels, but Russia's military said it had "reached a preliminary agreement for the withdrawal" of the group from Eastern Ghouta near Damascus.&nbsp

No date was given for the pullout and Moscow said rebels were expected to demine buildings and clear roadblocks before leaving.&nbsp

The retaking of Eastern Ghouta would mark a major milestone in President Bashar al-Assad's efforts to regain control of territory seized by rebel factions during Syria's seven-year civil war.

Backed by Russia, Assad's forces have scored a series of victories over rebel forces in recent years, often through campaigns of siege, aerial bombardment and ground offensives that have drawn widespread international condemnation.&nbsp

State agency SANA reported that Jaish al-Islam will head to Jarabulus in the northern province of Aleppo, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said they would also go to Al-Bab, both towns held by pro-Turkey rebels.

The deal will see Russian military police enter Douma and government institutions return to the town, the monitor said.Regime forces have already retaken more than 95 percent of Eastern Ghouta in a six-week air and ground blitz that has killed hundreds of civilians and forced tens of thousands from their homes.

The assault since February 18 has killed more than 1,600 civilians, the Observatory says, and devastated entire neighbourhoods.

Successive evacuation deals for other parts of Ghouta have seen more than 46,000 fighters and civilians bussed out in recent weeks, according to an AFP tally of figures provided by SANA.&nbsp

In the latest agreed departures some 24 buses carrying 1,146 fighters from the Faylaq al-Rahman rebel faction and their families left Douma in the direction of Idlib on Sunday, Syrian state television reported.&nbsp

That added to the 41,000 already evacuated from a southern pocket including the town of Arbin this week under an earlier deal with Faylaq al-Rahman.

More than 4,000 people also left the devastated town of Harasta last week under a deal with the Ahrar al-Sham rebel group.

Tens of thousands of other civilians have fled to regime-held territory.Talks with Jaish al-Islam for the evacuation of Douma have dragged on for several days, with residents growing nervous.

"Of course I would rather leave. There are no more homes here, not a single place to settle," said Abu Rateb, 30.

"But I won't go to regime-held areas to join ranks with the Syrian army," he said, adding he would prefer to go to Idlib.

Haitham, 38, a media activist who did not give his surname, said he would rather stay in his hometown.

"To abandon your home is to abandon your soul," he said. "But if they give us the choice of dying or leaving, it will be another matter."

Syria's conflict has killed more than 350,000 people since 2011, and spiralled into a complex war involving world powers.

On Sunday, Pope Francis called for an end to the "carnage" in Syria in his Easter message.

"Today we implore fruits of peace upon the entire world, beginning with the beloved and long-suffering land of Syria," the pontiff said.

To mark Easter Day, Syria's presidency said that Assad and his wife Asma visited the home of a Christian girl injured in rebel shelling of her neighbourhood in Damascus.

The agreement brokered by government ally Moscow would see fighters with the Jaish al-Islam rebel faction leave Ghouta's main town of Douma

The Syrian regime on Sunday drew closer to taking full control of rebel bastion Eastern Ghouta after a deal appeared to be reached for fighters and civilians to leave the enclave's last opposition pocket. The agreement brokered by government ally Moscow would see fighters with the Jaish al-Islam rebel faction leave Ghouta's main town of Douma for opposition territory in northern Syria, state media and a monitoring group. There was no immediate confirmation from the rebels, but Russia's military said it had "reached a preliminary agreement for the withdrawal" of the group from Eastern Ghouta near Damascus. No date was given for the pullout and Moscow said rebels were expected to demine buildings and clear roadblocks before leaving. The retaking of Eastern Ghouta would mark a major milestone in President Bashar al-Assad's efforts to regain control of territory seized by rebel factions during Syria's seven-year civil war. Backed by Russia, Assad's forces have scored a series of victories over rebel forces in recent years, often through campaigns of siege, aerial bombardment and ground offensives that have drawn widespread international condemnation. State agency SANA reported that Jaish al-Islam will head to Jarabulus in the northern province of Aleppo, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said they would also go to Al-Bab, both towns held by pro-Turkey rebels. The deal will see Russian military police enter Douma and government institutions return to the town, the monitor said.Regime forces have already retaken more than 95 percent of Eastern Ghouta in a six-week air and ground blitz that has killed hundreds of civilians and forced tens of thousands from their homes. The assault since February 18 has killed more than 1,600 civilians, the Observatory says, and devastated entire neighbourhoods. Successive evacuation deals for other parts of Ghouta have seen more than 46,000 fighters and civilians bussed out in recent weeks, according to an AFP tally of figures provided by SANA. In the latest agreed departures some 24 buses carrying 1,146 fighters from the Faylaq al-Rahman rebel faction and their families left Douma in the direction of Idlib on Sunday, Syrian state television reported. That added to the 41,000 already evacuated from a southern pocket including the town of Arbin this week under an earlier deal with Faylaq al-Rahman. More than 4,000 people also left the devastated town of Harasta last week under a deal with the Ahrar al-Sham rebel group. Tens of thousands of other civilians have fled to regime-held territory.Talks with Jaish al-Islam for the evacuation of Douma have dragged on for several days, with residents growing nervous. "Of course I would rather leave. There are no more homes here, not a single place to settle," said Abu Rateb, 30. "But I won't go to regime-held areas to join ranks with the Syrian army," he said, adding he would prefer to go to Idlib. Haitham, 38, a media activist who did not give his surname, said he would rather stay in his hometown. "To abandon your home is to abandon your soul," he said. "But if they give us the choice of dying or leaving, it will be another matter." Syria's conflict has killed more than 350,000 people since 2011, and spiralled into a complex war involving world powers. On Sunday, Pope Francis called for an end to the "carnage" in Syria in his Easter message. "Today we implore fruits of peace upon the entire world, beginning with the beloved and long-suffering land of Syria," the pontiff said. To mark Easter Day, Syria's presidency said that Assad and his wife Asma visited the home of a Christian girl injured in rebel shelling of her neighbourhood in Damascus.

'Deal reached' for Syria rebels to quit last Ghouta holdout

Syria's army promised Saturday to finish off fighters in the final opposition holdout of devastated Eastern Ghouta outside Damascus after a penultimate pocket was declared "empty" of rebels.

Russia-backed regime forces have recaptured the vast majority of the enclave through the combination of a deadly air and ground assault and evacuation deals.

After a six-week blitz the only remaining scrap of rebel-held territory centres on the main town of Douma, but Moscow-brokered talks over a possible evacuation have stalled as the group controlling it has pledged to stay put.&nbsp;

Syria's army vowed it would now press on with "fighting in the area of Douma to rid it of terrorism", using the term it usually uses to refer to rebels.

The announcement came shortly after state news agency SANA reported another rebel area was "empty of terrorism" as the last buses carrying rebels and civilians left it on Saturday afternoon as part of a deal to withdraw.

More than 41,000 people have been bussed out of the southern pocket held by the Faylaq al-Rahman rebel group in over a week under the Russian-supervised agreement, according to a tally of state media figures.

"It's a strategic victory against terror and a turning point" in the battle for Eastern Ghouta, an army officer told state television as soldiers around him celebrated.

As of Saturday, regime forces supported by their Russian allies had retaken 95 percent of Eastern Ghouta, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The assault on Ghouta has killed more than 1,600 civilians since February 18 and seen tens of thousands more flee the fighting into regime-held areas, the Britain-based monitor says.

Troops have pursued a divide-and-conquer strategy, seizing most of the enclave then breaking up what was left of it into three isolated pockets.

In total, more than 45,500 people have left Eastern Ghouta under evacuation deals from the two first pockets.

Now Jaish al-Islam are the only rebels left clinging on to their turf after the others were sent packing.

The head of Jaish al-Islam's political office, Yasser Delwan, said late Saturday that talks over Douma's fate were ongoing.

"But we still haven't reached an agreement," he said, however describing the atmosphere of the negotiations as "positive".On Friday, Russia's defence ministry said it had brokered a deal that would see rebels abandon Douma "shortly", but the fighters denied it immediately.

Jaish al-Islam had been angling to reach a settlement with the Russians whereby they could stay.&nbsp;

But negotiations faltered over the group's demands of a general amnesty and unrestricted movement for Douma residents across the country, a source with knowledge of the talks told AFP.&nbsp;

Moscow threatened Jaish al-Islam with a renewed assault on the town if they did not agree to withdraw, and Syrian troops have amassed around the holdout.&nbsp;

With the offensive on Eastern Ghouta, President Bashar al-Assad has sought to secure his capital Damascus, which was within mortar range of the rebel enclave.

Last week, a rebel rocket attack on the capital killed 44 civilians.

Assad's forces retaking Eastern Ghouta would be a considerable victory in Syria's seven-year war, which has killed more than 350,000 people and displaced millions.

Syria's civil war started in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Eastern Ghouta is the "beating heart of the rebellion near Assad's capital," said analyst Nick Heras, a fellow at the Center for a New American Security.

"When Assad stops that heart from beating, he eliminates the greatest threat to his rule in Damascus."

After a six-week blitz the only remaining scrap of rebel-held territory centres on the main town of Douma, but Moscow-brokered talks over a possible evacuation have stalled as the group controlling it has pledged to stay put

Syria's army promised Saturday to finish off fighters in the final opposition holdout of devastated Eastern Ghouta outside Damascus after a penultimate pocket was declared "empty" of rebels. Russia-backed regime forces have recaptured the vast majority of the enclave through the combination of a deadly air and ground assault and evacuation deals. After a six-week blitz the only remaining scrap of rebel-held territory centres on the main town of Douma, but Moscow-brokered talks over a possible evacuation have stalled as the group controlling it has pledged to stay put. Syria's army vowed it would now press on with "fighting in the area of Douma to rid it of terrorism", using the term it usually uses to refer to rebels. The announcement came shortly after state news agency SANA reported another rebel area was "empty of terrorism" as the last buses carrying rebels and civilians left it on Saturday afternoon as part of a deal to withdraw. More than 41,000 people have been bussed out of the southern pocket held by the Faylaq al-Rahman rebel group in over a week under the Russian-supervised agreement, according to a tally of state media figures. "It's a strategic victory against terror and a turning point" in the battle for Eastern Ghouta, an army officer told state television as soldiers around him celebrated. As of Saturday, regime forces supported by their Russian allies had retaken 95 percent of Eastern Ghouta, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The assault on Ghouta has killed more than 1,600 civilians since February 18 and seen tens of thousands more flee the fighting into regime-held areas, the Britain-based monitor says. Troops have pursued a divide-and-conquer strategy, seizing most of the enclave then breaking up what was left of it into three isolated pockets. In total, more than 45,500 people have left Eastern Ghouta under evacuation deals from the two first pockets. Now Jaish al-Islam are the only rebels left clinging on to their turf after the others were sent packing. The head of Jaish al-Islam's political office, Yasser Delwan, said late Saturday that talks over Douma's fate were ongoing. "But we still haven't reached an agreement," he said, however describing the atmosphere of the negotiations as "positive".On Friday, Russia's defence ministry said it had brokered a deal that would see rebels abandon Douma "shortly", but the fighters denied it immediately. Jaish al-Islam had been angling to reach a settlement with the Russians whereby they could stay. But negotiations faltered over the group's demands of a general amnesty and unrestricted movement for Douma residents across the country, a source with knowledge of the talks told AFP. Moscow threatened Jaish al-Islam with a renewed assault on the town if they did not agree to withdraw, and Syrian troops have amassed around the holdout. With the offensive on Eastern Ghouta, President Bashar al-Assad has sought to secure his capital Damascus, which was within mortar range of the rebel enclave. Last week, a rebel rocket attack on the capital killed 44 civilians. Assad's forces retaking Eastern Ghouta would be a considerable victory in Syria's seven-year war, which has killed more than 350,000 people and displaced millions. Syria's civil war started in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests. Eastern Ghouta is the "beating heart of the rebellion near Assad's capital," said analyst Nick Heras, a fellow at the Center for a New American Security. "When Assad stops that heart from beating, he eliminates the greatest threat to his rule in Damascus."

Syria Army vows to finish off last rebels in Ghouta

Russia's defence ministry said&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;nearly 5,300 rebels and members of their families left Syria's eastern Ghouta enclave&nbsp;on Wednesday, news agencies reported.

Rebels left the town of Arbeen for the northern province of Idlib, according to the Centre for Reconciliation in Syria, a body run by the ministry.

The rebels left on Wednesday, Russia's defence ministry said Thursday

Russia's defence ministry said on Thursday nearly 5,300 rebels and members of their families left Syria's eastern Ghouta enclave on Wednesday, news agencies reported. Rebels left the town of Arbeen for the northern province of Idlib, according to the Centre for Reconciliation in Syria, a body run by the ministry.

Russia says nearly 5,300 rebels have left Syria's Ghouta for Idlib: Reports

A total of 3,708 rebels and their family members evacuated Syria's Eastern Ghouta area on Sunday, as the second batch to leave areas under the control of Failaq al-Rahman militia, news reports said.

The first pocket, in and around the city of Harasta, was surrendered by the rebels on Thursday, with evacuations beginning then and carrying on through Friday.

Syrian state media reported on Saturday that approximately 7,000 fighters, their family members and other civilians were expected to leave the towns of Zamalka, Arbin and Jobar in the second pocket of eastern Ghouta. The evacuation is the result of an agreement reached between Russia and the Syrian army, and the Islamist rebel group Faylaq al-Rahman, which has been operating in the area.

The Syrian army and its Russian allies have now recovered 90 percent of eastern Ghouta. The third and last pocket still held by the opposition is located in the area surrounding the city of Douma. Negotiations on the evacuation of Douma are ongoing.

The first pocket, in and around the city of Harasta, was surrendered by the rebels on Thursday, with evacuations beginning then and carrying on through Friday

A total of 3,708 rebels and their family members evacuated Syria's Eastern Ghouta area on Sunday, as the second batch to leave areas under the control of Failaq al-Rahman militia, news reports said. The first pocket, in and around the city of Harasta, was surrendered by the rebels on Thursday, with evacuations beginning then and carrying on through Friday. Syrian state media reported on Saturday that approximately 7,000 fighters, their family members and other civilians were expected to leave the towns of Zamalka, Arbin and Jobar in the second pocket of eastern Ghouta. The evacuation is the result of an agreement reached between Russia and the Syrian army, and the Islamist rebel group Faylaq al-Rahman, which has been operating in the area. The Syrian army and its Russian allies have now recovered 90 percent of eastern Ghouta. The third and last pocket still held by the opposition is located in the area surrounding the city of Douma. Negotiations on the evacuation of Douma are ongoing.

Hundreds of rebels, families leave Syria's Ghouta

Four Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Odisha's Koraput district on Monday, officials said.

The security forces also seized arms and explosives from their hideout.

The arms and explosives have been hidden in a bunker in the forest.

It is suspected that the rebels had stored those to attack the jawans in future, they said.

Meanwhile, the security forces have intensified combing operation in Koraput district bordering Chhattisgarh and Lamataput area bordering Malkangiri district for the past couple of days.

The security forces have received information about plans of the Maoists to carry out more attacks on the jawans in these areas, they said.

It is suspected that the rebels had stored those to attack the jawans in future, they said.

Four Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Odisha's Koraput district on Monday, officials said. The security forces also seized arms and explosives from their hideout. The arms and explosives have been hidden in a bunker in the forest. It is suspected that the rebels had stored those to attack the jawans in future, they said. Meanwhile, the security forces have intensified combing operation in Koraput district bordering Chhattisgarh and Lamataput area bordering Malkangiri district for the past couple of days. The security forces have received information about plans of the Maoists to carry out more attacks on the jawans in these areas, they said.

Odisha: Four Maoists killed in gun battle with security forces

Rebels launched a counter attack against Syrian government forces and their allies in Idlib province on Thursday, seeking to roll back an advance that is fuelling tension with neigbouring Turkey.

Fighting raged in the area, where a government offensive backed by Iran-backed militia has gathered pace in the last two weeks, according to rebels and a military news service run by the Lebanese group Hezbollah, which is fighting on the government side.

Idlib province is the biggest chunk of Syria still held by rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad, with a population swollen by Syrians who have fled government advances in other parts of the country. Assad has defeated rebels in many parts of western Syria with critical help from Russia and Iran.

The recent military escalation in western Syria has included an unprecedented attack by a squadron of drones on Russian military bases and has cast a shadow over Moscow&#39;s efforts to convene a Syria peace congress later this month.

The Hezbollah-run news service said the army and its allies were repelling a &quot;fierce assault&quot; by the Nusra Front, formerly al Qaeda&#39;s affiliate in the Syrian war, and groups linked to it.

Rebels fighting under the banner of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) said in a statement they had set up a joint operations room to repel the offensive and to take back areas seized by the government in northeastern Hama and southern Idlib.

&quot;The operation is to hit the belly of the regime deep into liberated territories and to encircle their advancing forces,&quot; said Abdul Hakim al Rahamon, a senior official in Jaish al Nasr, an FSA faction taking part.

Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an alliance led by the Nusra Front, the dominant force in Idlib, said it had already made gains.

&quot;With Allah&#39;s) blessings we drew plans and prepared ourselves and are encircling them,&quot; said Abu al Naji, a commander from Tahrir al Sham. &quot;We have killed many.&quot;

Rebels said they had captured some 15 villages and seized 60 government fighters. A Syrian military source denied this and dismissed rebel talk of a counter attack as propaganda. The source said fierce battles were however underway in the area and army advances were continuing.

Rebel sources said warplanes had struck Khan Sheikhoun and Saraqeb, two major population centres in Idlib province that are among several towns that have been targeted in the latest offensive.

The latest push by the army and its allies has alarmed Turkey which has been deploying forces inside northern Idlib and setting up bases which it says are part of agreements with Iran and Russia over a descalation zone in Idlib.

The Turkish government said the Idlib offensive was endangering the effort to reach a resolution of the conflict and accused the Syrian government of using the pretext of fighting militants to wage a widescale attack.

Ankara is concerned that wider fighting in the province could bring tens of thousands of Syrians fleeing from the battlefields on its borders far beyond the numbers now fleeing.

Many Syrians living in rebel-held areas see Turkey&#39;s military intervention as a bulwark against a relentless bombing campaign by Syrian and Russian airforces they blame for killing and injuring hundreds of civilians in urban areas in recent months, away from the frontlines.

Rebels said they had captured some 15 villages and seized 60 government fighters

Rebels launched a counter attack against Syrian government forces and their allies in Idlib province on Thursday, seeking to roll back an advance that is fuelling tension with neigbouring Turkey. Fighting raged in the area, where a government offensive backed by Iran-backed militia has gathered pace in the last two weeks, according to rebels and a military news service run by the Lebanese group Hezbollah, which is fighting on the government side. Idlib province is the biggest chunk of Syria still held by rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad, with a population swollen by Syrians who have fled government advances in other parts of the country. Assad has defeated rebels in many parts of western Syria with critical help from Russia and Iran. The recent military escalation in western Syria has included an unprecedented attack by a squadron of drones on Russian military bases and has cast a shadow over Moscow's efforts to convene a Syria peace congress later this month. The Hezbollah-run news service said the army and its allies were repelling a "fierce assault" by the Nusra Front, formerly al Qaeda's affiliate in the Syrian war, and groups linked to it. Rebels fighting under the banner of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) said in a statement they had set up a joint operations room to repel the offensive and to take back areas seized by the government in northeastern Hama and southern Idlib. "The operation is to hit the belly of the regime deep into liberated territories and to encircle their advancing forces," said Abdul Hakim al Rahamon, a senior official in Jaish al Nasr, an FSA faction taking part. Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an alliance led by the Nusra Front, the dominant force in Idlib, said it had already made gains. "With Allah's) blessings we drew plans and prepared ourselves and are encircling them," said Abu al Naji, a commander from Tahrir al Sham. "We have killed many." Rebels said they had captured some 15 villages and seized 60 government fighters. A Syrian military source denied this and dismissed rebel talk of a counter attack as propaganda. The source said fierce battles were however underway in the area and army advances were continuing. Rebel sources said warplanes had struck Khan Sheikhoun and Saraqeb, two major population centres in Idlib province that are among several towns that have been targeted in the latest offensive. The latest push by the army and its allies has alarmed Turkey which has been deploying forces inside northern Idlib and setting up bases which it says are part of agreements with Iran and Russia over a descalation zone in Idlib. The Turkish government said the Idlib offensive was endangering the effort to reach a resolution of the conflict and accused the Syrian government of using the pretext of fighting militants to wage a widescale attack. Ankara is concerned that wider fighting in the province could bring tens of thousands of Syrians fleeing from the battlefields on its borders far beyond the numbers now fleeing. Many Syrians living in rebel-held areas see Turkey's military intervention as a bulwark against a relentless bombing campaign by Syrian and Russian airforces they blame for killing and injuring hundreds of civilians in urban areas in recent months, away from the frontlines.

Syrian rebels declare counter-attack in Idlib province

A UN plane carrying desperately needed vaccines landed in the rebel-held Yemeni capital Sanaa on Saturday after a three-week Saudi-led aid blockade that had sparked warnings thousands could die.

Three other aircraft - two carrying UN aid workers and one carrying International Committee of the Red Cross staff - also landed at the airport, which was repaired earlier this week after a Saudi-led air strike knocked out its controls, an AFP correspondent reported.

The UN humanitarian affairs office had said Friday that it had been given clearance by the Saudi-led coalition that has been fighting the rebels since 2015 to resume flights into Sanaa.

But it added that desperately needed shipments of food and medicines to the rebel-held Red Sea port of Hodeida remained blocked.

The UN children`s fund UNICEF said Saturday`s flight was carrying more than 15 tonnes, or 1.9 million doses, of vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus and other preventable diseases.

The World Health Organization confirmed earlier this week that diphtheria was spreading as children went unvaccinated and doctors in Hodeida reported three deaths.

More than 2,000 people have died of cholera in Yemen this year, adding to the 8,600 who have died in the conflict between the Saudi-backed government and the rebels since 2015.&nbsp;

The aid blockade, put in place after the rebels fired a missile which was intercepted over Riyadh airport, has tightened the stranglehold on Hodeida, the conduit for UN supervised deliveries of food and medicine to rebel-held territory.&nbsp;

The UN humanitarian office said that a ship loaded with wheat and another with equipment to treat Yemen`s cholera epidemic are ready to head to Hodeida as soon as the Saudi-led coalition gives the go-ahead.

The coalition had said it would lift its blockade of the port from Thursday but it remains in place.

The United Nations has warned that unless the blockade is lifted, Yemen will face &quot;the largest famine the world has seen for decades&quot;.

Seven million Yemenis are completely dependent on relief supplies for their survival, according to the UN.&nbsp;

The UN humanitarian affairs office had said Friday that it had been given clearance by the Saudi-led coalition that has been fighting the rebels since 2015 to resume flights into Sanaa

A UN plane carrying desperately needed vaccines landed in the rebel-held Yemeni capital Sanaa on Saturday after a three-week Saudi-led aid blockade that had sparked warnings thousands could die. Three other aircraft - two carrying UN aid workers and one carrying International Committee of the Red Cross staff - also landed at the airport, which was repaired earlier this week after a Saudi-led air strike knocked out its controls, an AFP correspondent reported. The UN humanitarian affairs office had said Friday that it had been given clearance by the Saudi-led coalition that has been fighting the rebels since 2015 to resume flights into Sanaa. But it added that desperately needed shipments of food and medicines to the rebel-held Red Sea port of Hodeida remained blocked. The UN children`s fund UNICEF said Saturday`s flight was carrying more than 15 tonnes, or 1.9 million doses, of vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus and other preventable diseases. The World Health Organization confirmed earlier this week that diphtheria was spreading as children went unvaccinated and doctors in Hodeida reported three deaths. More than 2,000 people have died of cholera in Yemen this year, adding to the 8,600 who have died in the conflict between the Saudi-backed government and the rebels since 2015. The aid blockade, put in place after the rebels fired a missile which was intercepted over Riyadh airport, has tightened the stranglehold on Hodeida, the conduit for UN supervised deliveries of food and medicine to rebel-held territory. The UN humanitarian office said that a ship loaded with wheat and another with equipment to treat Yemen`s cholera epidemic are ready to head to Hodeida as soon as the Saudi-led coalition gives the go-ahead. The coalition had said it would lift its blockade of the port from Thursday but it remains in place. The United Nations has warned that unless the blockade is lifted, Yemen will face "the largest famine the world has seen for decades". Seven million Yemenis are completely dependent on relief supplies for their survival, according to the UN.

First aid flight lands in rebel-held Yemen capital after weeks

Hundreds of civilians and fighters who have been under crippling siege for more than two years left four Syrian towns in fleets of buses Friday under a delayed evacuation deal.

Men, women and children packed onto buses leaving government-controlled Fuaa and Kafraya and rebel-held Madaya and Zabadani, with many expressing despair at not knowing when they might return.

&quot;When I first went onto the bus, I broke down from sadness, I fell on the ground and they had to help me,&quot; said Fuaa resident Abu Hussein.

&quot;I just couldn&#39;t bear it.&quot;

The deal to evacuate the towns is the latest in a string of such agreements through Syria&#39;s six-year civil war.&nbsp;

They have been touted by the government as the best way to end the fighting but rebels say they are forced out by siege and bombardment.

Critics say deals are permanently changing the ethnic and religious map, but in an exclusive interview with AFP this week President Bashar al-Assad insisted the evacuations were only temporary and people would return once the &quot;terrorists&quot; had been defeated.

At least 80 buses left Fuaa and Kafraya in Idlib province in the northwest, an AFP correspondent in rebel-held territory said.

They arrived at a marshalling point in Rashidin, west of second city Aleppo, followed by 20 ambulances.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 5,000 people had left the two towns, including 1,300 pro-government fighters.

&nbsp;&#39;Madaya cried today&#39;&nbsp; 
 
The Observatory said 2,200 people from Zabadani and Madaya had left, among them 400 rebels.

Madaya resident Amjad al-Maleh, speaking from a departing bus, told AFP that rebels among the evacuees had been allowed to keep light weapons.

&quot;It is a very bad feeling when you see those who besieged you and killed you with hunger and bombardment right in front of you,&quot; Maleh said.&nbsp;

&quot;Madaya cried today -- the ones who stayed and the ones who left.&quot;

Late Friday, the buses from Madaya arrived in Rashidin, where the evacuees from Fuaa and Kefraya were waiting, according to a resident aboard one of the buses.

The Observatory said the Fuaa and Kafraya buses were expected to head to government-held Aleppo city, while the Madaya evacuees were to head to Idlib.

More than 30,000 people are expected to be evacuated under the deal, which began on Wednesday with an exchange of prisoners.

All 16,000 residents of Fuaa and Kafraya are expected to leave, heading to Aleppo, the coastal province of Latakia, or Damascus.&nbsp;

Civilians from Madaya and Zabadani will reportedly be allowed to remain if they choose. Those who opt to leave will head to rebel-held territory in Idlib.

The four towns are party to a longstanding agreement reached in 2015 that requires aid deliveries and evacuations to be carried out simultaneously.

But access has been limited, with food and medical shortages causing malnutrition, illness and even death among besieged residents.

The UN says 4.72 million Syrians are in hard-to-reach areas, including 600,000 people under siege, mostly by the Syrian army, but also by rebels or the Islamic State group.

&#39;They&#39;re going back&#39; 
 
There has been a series of evacuations in recent month, mostly around the capital Damascus but also from the last rebel-held district of Syria&#39;s third city Homs.

The rebels have charged that Assad&#39;s regime is deliberately forcing civilians to leave to alter the country&#39;s sectarian map.

But in Wednesday&#39;s interview, the president told AFP that it was the rebels who were driving people from their homes.

&quot;We wish that everyone could stay in his village and his city, but those people like many other civilians in different areas were surrounded and besieged by the terrorists, and they&#39;ve been killed on (a) daily basis, so they had to leave,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

&quot;But of course they&#39;re going to go back to their cities after the liberation.&quot;

Assad is facing renewed international pressure after accusations his government carried out a suspected April 4 chemical weapons attack on a northern rebel-held town.

He told AFP that reports of the attack were a &quot;fabrication.&quot;

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault on Friday dismissed Assad&#39;s comments as &quot;100 percent lies and propaganda.&quot;

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is probing the incident, but Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday criticised the watchdog for failing to go to the site.

&quot;We consider it unacceptable to analyse events from a distance,&quot; he said after meeting his Syrian and Iranian counterparts.

&quot;They say still that it is not very safe, but they cannot put forward convincing arguments,&quot; Lavrov said. 
 
(AFP)

Buses carrying residents left the majority Shi'ite towns of al-Foua and Kefraya, Monitor said

Hundreds of civilians and fighters who have been under crippling siege for more than two years left four Syrian towns in fleets of buses Friday under a delayed evacuation deal. Men, women and children packed onto buses leaving government-controlled Fuaa and Kafraya and rebel-held Madaya and Zabadani, with many expressing despair at not knowing when they might return. "When I first went onto the bus, I broke down from sadness, I fell on the ground and they had to help me," said Fuaa resident Abu Hussein. "I just couldn't bear it." The deal to evacuate the towns is the latest in a string of such agreements through Syria's six-year civil war. They have been touted by the government as the best way to end the fighting but rebels say they are forced out by siege and bombardment. Critics say deals are permanently changing the ethnic and religious map, but in an exclusive interview with AFP this week President Bashar al-Assad insisted the evacuations were only temporary and people would return once the "terrorists" had been defeated. At least 80 buses left Fuaa and Kafraya in Idlib province in the northwest, an AFP correspondent in rebel-held territory said. They arrived at a marshalling point in Rashidin, west of second city Aleppo, followed by 20 ambulances. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 5,000 people had left the two towns, including 1,300 pro-government fighters. 'Madaya cried today' The Observatory said 2,200 people from Zabadani and Madaya had left, among them 400 rebels. Madaya resident Amjad al-Maleh, speaking from a departing bus, told AFP that rebels among the evacuees had been allowed to keep light weapons. "It is a very bad feeling when you see those who besieged you and killed you with hunger and bombardment right in front of you," Maleh said. "Madaya cried today -- the ones who stayed and the ones who left." Late Friday, the buses from Madaya arrived in Rashidin, where the evacuees from Fuaa and Kefraya were waiting, according to a resident aboard one of the buses. The Observatory said the Fuaa and Kafraya buses were expected to head to government-held Aleppo city, while the Madaya evacuees were to head to Idlib. More than 30,000 people are expected to be evacuated under the deal, which began on Wednesday with an exchange of prisoners. All 16,000 residents of Fuaa and Kafraya are expected to leave, heading to Aleppo, the coastal province of Latakia, or Damascus. Civilians from Madaya and Zabadani will reportedly be allowed to remain if they choose. Those who opt to leave will head to rebel-held territory in Idlib. The four towns are party to a longstanding agreement reached in 2015 that requires aid deliveries and evacuations to be carried out simultaneously. But access has been limited, with food and medical shortages causing malnutrition, illness and even death among besieged residents. The UN says 4.72 million Syrians are in hard-to-reach areas, including 600,000 people under siege, mostly by the Syrian army, but also by rebels or the Islamic State group. 'They're going back' There has been a series of evacuations in recent month, mostly around the capital Damascus but also from the last rebel-held district of Syria's third city Homs. The rebels have charged that Assad's regime is deliberately forcing civilians to leave to alter the country's sectarian map. But in Wednesday's interview, the president told AFP that it was the rebels who were driving people from their homes. "We wish that everyone could stay in his village and his city, but those people like many other civilians in different areas were surrounded and besieged by the terrorists, and they've been killed on (a) daily basis, so they had to leave," he said. "But of course they're going to go back to their cities after the liberation." Assad is facing renewed international pressure after accusations his government carried out a suspected April 4 chemical weapons attack on a northern rebel-held town. He told AFP that reports of the attack were a "fabrication." French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault on Friday dismissed Assad's comments as "100 percent lies and propaganda." The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is probing the incident, but Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday criticised the watchdog for failing to go to the site. "We consider it unacceptable to analyse events from a distance," he said after meeting his Syrian and Iranian counterparts. "They say still that it is not very safe, but they cannot put forward convincing arguments," Lavrov said. (AFP)

Buses evacuate hundreds from four besieged Syria towns under evacuation deal

A dozen Syrian rebel factions have suspended talks on new peace negotiations, accusing President Bashar al-Assad&#39;s regime of violating a four-day-old ceasefire with attacks near Damascus that continued Tuesday.

In the northwestern province of Idlib, an air strike killed at least 25 members of former Al-Qaeda affiliate Fateh al-Sham Front, including senior figures.

The rebels&#39; decision threatens the process sponsored by regime ally Russia and rebel backer Turkey, which began with a truce and is meant to lead to negotiations in the Kazakh capital Astana this month.

The ceasefire has brought quiet to large parts of the country but has been undermined by sporadic violence, particularly fighting in the Wadi Barada region north of Damascus that supplies the capital&#39;s water.

Government forces backed by fighters from Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah continue to press a two-week offensive there, despite the ceasefire which began on December 30.

A dozen rebel groups announced late Monday the &quot;freezing of all discussion linked to the Astana negotiations&quot;.

They said they had respected the ceasefire, but accused the regime of &quot;major and frequent violations, notably in the (rebel) regions of Wadi Barada and Eastern Ghouta&quot;, near Damascus.

&quot;If things don&#39;t return to how they were before, the accord will be considered null and void,&quot; they said.

It was signed by a dozen groups, including the Army of Islam, Faylaq al-Sham and the Sultan Murad Brigade, which is close to Turkey.

&nbsp;&#39;Critical phase&#39;&nbsp;

Fierce fighting in Wadi Barada continued Tuesday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Government forces used barrel bombs and artillery after advancing Monday to the outskirts of the Ain al-Fijeh spring, the area&#39;s main water source, the Britain-based monitor said.

Regime shelling killed two civilians in Wadi Barada as well as one in the town of Douma, which is east of Damascus, it added.&nbsp;

The regime accuses rebels of deliberately damaging infrastructure, poisoning the water supply with fuel then cutting the flow to Damascus altogether.

Rebels say government strikes caused the damage, which has left four million people in Damascus without water since December 22.

The regime says Fateh al-Sham is in the area, a claim opposition fighters deny. Fateh al-Sham, along with the Islamic State (IS) group, is excluded from the truce.

The Observatory said an air strike by unidentified aircraft on Tuesday killed at least 25 Fateh al-Sham members including senior figures and at least four prisoners near Sarmada in Idlib province.

Fateh al-Sham, on its Telegram account, accused the US-led coalition of carrying out the raid.

An AFP correspondent saw several strikes hitting the town including one on a Fateh al-Sham checkpoint.

Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman warned the truce was in a &quot;critical phase&quot; and faced &quot;collapse&quot; if sponsors Russia and Turkey did not intervene to save it.

The monitor and Russia&#39;s defence ministry reported on Tuesday dozens of ceasefire violations.

Spillover in Turkey

The ceasefire and planned talks are the latest effort to negotiate an end to Syria&#39;s conflict, which has killed more than 310,000 people since it began with anti-government protests in March 2011.

Ankara and Moscow back opposing sides in the conflict but have worked closely of late, brokering a deal allowing civilians and rebels to leave Aleppo city before government troops seized it last month.

The UN Security Council has backed the Russian-Turkish efforts, despite them offering a competing track to UN-sponsored talks set to resume in Geneva in February.

Both Russia and Turkey have launched military interventions in Syria. Moscow entered on the government&#39;s side in September 2015, while Ankara began an offensive against IS and Kurdish militants in August 2016.

The conflict has spilled into Turkey, with a string of deadly attacks claimed by or blamed on IS or Kurdish groups.

On Monday, IS took responsibility for a New Year&#39;s attack on an Istanbul nightclub that killed 39 people.

(AFP)

A dozen Syrian rebel factions have suspended talks, accusing the Assad regime of the regime of 'major and frequent violations'

A dozen Syrian rebel factions have suspended talks on new peace negotiations, accusing President Bashar al-Assad's regime of violating a four-day-old ceasefire with attacks near Damascus that continued Tuesday. In the northwestern province of Idlib, an air strike killed at least 25 members of former Al-Qaeda affiliate Fateh al-Sham Front, including senior figures. The rebels' decision threatens the process sponsored by regime ally Russia and rebel backer Turkey, which began with a truce and is meant to lead to negotiations in the Kazakh capital Astana this month. The ceasefire has brought quiet to large parts of the country but has been undermined by sporadic violence, particularly fighting in the Wadi Barada region north of Damascus that supplies the capital's water. Government forces backed by fighters from Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah continue to press a two-week offensive there, despite the ceasefire which began on December 30. A dozen rebel groups announced late Monday the "freezing of all discussion linked to the Astana negotiations". They said they had respected the ceasefire, but accused the regime of "major and frequent violations, notably in the (rebel) regions of Wadi Barada and Eastern Ghouta", near Damascus. "If things don't return to how they were before, the accord will be considered null and void," they said. It was signed by a dozen groups, including the Army of Islam, Faylaq al-Sham and the Sultan Murad Brigade, which is close to Turkey. 'Critical phase' Fierce fighting in Wadi Barada continued Tuesday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Government forces used barrel bombs and artillery after advancing Monday to the outskirts of the Ain al-Fijeh spring, the area's main water source, the Britain-based monitor said. Regime shelling killed two civilians in Wadi Barada as well as one in the town of Douma, which is east of Damascus, it added. The regime accuses rebels of deliberately damaging infrastructure, poisoning the water supply with fuel then cutting the flow to Damascus altogether. Rebels say government strikes caused the damage, which has left four million people in Damascus without water since December 22. The regime says Fateh al-Sham is in the area, a claim opposition fighters deny. Fateh al-Sham, along with the Islamic State (IS) group, is excluded from the truce. The Observatory said an air strike by unidentified aircraft on Tuesday killed at least 25 Fateh al-Sham members including senior figures and at least four prisoners near Sarmada in Idlib province. Fateh al-Sham, on its Telegram account, accused the US-led coalition of carrying out the raid. An AFP correspondent saw several strikes hitting the town including one on a Fateh al-Sham checkpoint. Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman warned the truce was in a "critical phase" and faced "collapse" if sponsors Russia and Turkey did not intervene to save it. The monitor and Russia's defence ministry reported on Tuesday dozens of ceasefire violations. Spillover in Turkey The ceasefire and planned talks are the latest effort to negotiate an end to Syria's conflict, which has killed more than 310,000 people since it began with anti-government protests in March 2011. Ankara and Moscow back opposing sides in the conflict but have worked closely of late, brokering a deal allowing civilians and rebels to leave Aleppo city before government troops seized it last month. The UN Security Council has backed the Russian-Turkish efforts, despite them offering a competing track to UN-sponsored talks set to resume in Geneva in February. Both Russia and Turkey have launched military interventions in Syria. Moscow entered on the government's side in September 2015, while Ankara began an offensive against IS and Kurdish militants in August 2016. The conflict has spilled into Turkey, with a string of deadly attacks claimed by or blamed on IS or Kurdish groups. On Monday, IS took responsibility for a New Year's attack on an Istanbul nightclub that killed 39 people. (AFP)

Fighting puts Syria peace talks at risk

The ceasefire deal between Syrian government forces and rebels that came into effect from midnight held early on Friday, with reports of isolated clashes and gunfire in the initial stages, a monitoring group and a rebel official told Reuters.

According to media reports, the ceasefire was violated shortly after it came to effect with clashes taking place in the northwest of the country.

But hours later, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the general &quot;calm continues&quot;, said Reuters.

A rebel official in the Jaish al-Nasr group told Reuters that there had been &quot;some shelling during the night, but today it&#39;s stopped ... until now the situation is good.&quot;

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

The truce was violated shortly after it came into effect but hours later a monitor said the general 'calm continues'

The ceasefire deal between Syrian government forces and rebels that came into effect from midnight held early on Friday, with reports of isolated clashes and gunfire in the initial stages, a monitoring group and a rebel official told Reuters. According to media reports, the ceasefire was violated shortly after it came to effect with clashes taking place in the northwest of the country. But hours later, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the general "calm continues", said Reuters. A rebel official in the Jaish al-Nasr group told Reuters that there had been "some shelling during the night, but today it's stopped ... until now the situation is good." (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Syria: Ceasefire survives after initial clashes

Midnight means lights out in Syria&#39;s Aleppo: as the clock strikes 12, overworked power generators shut off across the city, plunging war-ravaged neighbourhoods and heritage sites into darkness.

It will take many months and millions of dollars to breathe life back into Aleppo&#39;s devastated water, electricity, and transportation networks.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>We sold our vacuum cleaner, what&#39;s the point in having one if we don&#39;t have electricity?&#39; asked Umm Fayez, a housewife who lives in the central district of Furqan</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=We sold our vacuum cleaner, what's the point in having one if we don't have electricity?' asked Umm Fayez, a housewife who lives in the central district of Furqan" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

Four years of fighting have transformed it from Syria&#39;s industrial and commercial powerhouse to a divided and dysfunctional city.

&quot;We sold our vacuum cleaner, what&#39;s the point in having one if we don&#39;t have electricity?&quot; asked Umm Fayez, a housewife who lives in the central district of Furqan.

&quot;It&#39;s been two years since we used our washing machine. We wash everything by hand, but the water is too cold now and I can&#39;t take it any more,&quot; the mother-of-two told AFP, sitting in the dark amid piles of dirty laundry.

Forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad declared full control over Syria&#39;s second city last week, after a landmark evacuation deal ended years of clashes.

Rocket fire, air strikes and shelling partly or totally destroyed more than half Aleppo&#39;s infrastructure and buildings, according to a &quot;preliminary, optimistic evaluation&quot; by local authorities.

Water shortages

The main power station at Safirah to the southeast has been off line for two years because of the fighting.

Aleppo&#39;s residents are forced to rely on noisy generators that supply electricity through a web of thick cables snaking through scarred streets.

But they are shut down at midnight to save diesel supplies.

Umm Fayez&#39;s husband walks home every night from his sweetshop using a small torch to guide the way through pitch-black darkness.

&quot;We have two projects that will re-establish electricity to Aleppo,&quot; an electricity ministry official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

He said new power lines would be laid from the neighbouring province of Hama within a year, but that it would cost more than four billion Syrian pounds, or about $8 million (7.6 million euros).

Residents are also impatient for water shortages to end, with the main pumping station currently operating at just a third of its capacity.

&quot;We can only pump water to 20 per cent of Aleppo. Before the crisis, it was 70 per cent,&quot; said Issa Korj, chief mechanic at the Suleiman al-Halabi water plant.

He said it would take &quot;many months&quot; to repair the facility, but even then, water provision was likely to remain a problem for residents.

Most of the water pumped to Aleppo comes from the Euphrates Dam in the adjacent province of Raqa, which is held by the Islamic State jihadist group.&nbsp;

&quot;They regularly cut off the water,&quot; said Fakher Hamdo, who heads Aleppo&#39;s water administration.

He added that global economic sanctions imposed on Syria since 2011 make spare parts nearly impossible to import.

&#39;Aleppo is one&#39;&nbsp; 
But before any major rebuilding projects can begin, local authorities must clear away barricades and sand berms that had divided Aleppo between the rebel-controlled east and the government-held west.

Bulldozers can already be seen in the bombed-out streets, clearing rubble and dismantling metal barriers.

&quot;The municipality immediately mobilised to open up the main thoroughfares,&quot; said city administrator Nadim Rahmoun.

&quot;Opening up the roads will allow us to pump life back into the city with economic and social activity and public services,&quot; he added.

Aleppo&#39;s Old City, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site -- is at the heart of this effort.

The district witnessed some of the most brutal moments of the battle for Aleppo, and restoring its celebrated buildings will pose major challenges.

Municipal teams are carefully sorting through the rubble, setting aside original centuries-old stonework that will be used in the restoration.

In the nearby district of Aqyul, Abduljawad Najed, 32, had to negotiate heaps of sand to check on his brother&#39;s house.&nbsp;

&quot;It took more than an hour and a half,&quot; he said.

After the barricades were cleared, the same journey took Najed 10 minutes.

&quot;Things were much easier and I was able to come by car,&quot; he said, loading some household effects into his small pick-up.

Najed&#39;s enthusiasm was shared by furniture store owner Zakariya, 42.

&quot;Thank God, all the roads are now linked together. Aleppo is one again,&quot; he said.

(AFP)

Four years of fighting have transformed it from Syria's industrial and commercial powerhouse to a divided and dysfunctional city

Midnight means lights out in Syria's Aleppo: as the clock strikes 12, overworked power generators shut off across the city, plunging war-ravaged neighbourhoods and heritage sites into darkness. It will take many months and millions of dollars to breathe life back into Aleppo's devastated water, electricity, and transportation networks. We sold our vacuum cleaner, what's the point in having one if we don't have electricity?' asked Umm Fayez, a housewife who lives in the central district of Furqan × Four years of fighting have transformed it from Syria's industrial and commercial powerhouse to a divided and dysfunctional city. "We sold our vacuum cleaner, what's the point in having one if we don't have electricity?" asked Umm Fayez, a housewife who lives in the central district of Furqan. "It's been two years since we used our washing machine. We wash everything by hand, but the water is too cold now and I can't take it any more," the mother-of-two told AFP, sitting in the dark amid piles of dirty laundry. Forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad declared full control over Syria's second city last week, after a landmark evacuation deal ended years of clashes. Rocket fire, air strikes and shelling partly or totally destroyed more than half Aleppo's infrastructure and buildings, according to a "preliminary, optimistic evaluation" by local authorities. Water shortages The main power station at Safirah to the southeast has been off line for two years because of the fighting. Aleppo's residents are forced to rely on noisy generators that supply electricity through a web of thick cables snaking through scarred streets. But they are shut down at midnight to save diesel supplies. Umm Fayez's husband walks home every night from his sweetshop using a small torch to guide the way through pitch-black darkness. "We have two projects that will re-establish electricity to Aleppo," an electricity ministry official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. He said new power lines would be laid from the neighbouring province of Hama within a year, but that it would cost more than four billion Syrian pounds, or about $8 million (7.6 million euros). Residents are also impatient for water shortages to end, with the main pumping station currently operating at just a third of its capacity. "We can only pump water to 20 per cent of Aleppo. Before the crisis, it was 70 per cent," said Issa Korj, chief mechanic at the Suleiman al-Halabi water plant. He said it would take "many months" to repair the facility, but even then, water provision was likely to remain a problem for residents. Most of the water pumped to Aleppo comes from the Euphrates Dam in the adjacent province of Raqa, which is held by the Islamic State jihadist group. "They regularly cut off the water," said Fakher Hamdo, who heads Aleppo's water administration. He added that global economic sanctions imposed on Syria since 2011 make spare parts nearly impossible to import. 'Aleppo is one' But before any major rebuilding projects can begin, local authorities must clear away barricades and sand berms that had divided Aleppo between the rebel-controlled east and the government-held west. Bulldozers can already be seen in the bombed-out streets, clearing rubble and dismantling metal barriers. "The municipality immediately mobilised to open up the main thoroughfares," said city administrator Nadim Rahmoun. "Opening up the roads will allow us to pump life back into the city with economic and social activity and public services," he added. Aleppo's Old City, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site -- is at the heart of this effort. The district witnessed some of the most brutal moments of the battle for Aleppo, and restoring its celebrated buildings will pose major challenges. Municipal teams are carefully sorting through the rubble, setting aside original centuries-old stonework that will be used in the restoration. In the nearby district of Aqyul, Abduljawad Najed, 32, had to negotiate heaps of sand to check on his brother's house. "It took more than an hour and a half," he said. After the barricades were cleared, the same journey took Najed 10 minutes. "Things were much easier and I was able to come by car," he said, loading some household effects into his small pick-up. Najed's enthusiasm was shared by furniture store owner Zakariya, 42. "Thank God, all the roads are now linked together. Aleppo is one again," he said. (AFP)

Aleppo: The massive task of rebuilding a shattered city

rebels

Rebels, News on Rebels, stories on Rebels, articles on Rebels, Rebels stories at Wion, Rebels news, Rebels latest news